The latest research from the March of Dimes shows premature birth rates are decreasing. But the decline is very small. The national rate went down from 12.8% to 12.7% between 2006 and 2007. Washington state's numbers were better - down to 10.6%.
But the numbers are still too high for comfort. Premature births have increased 36% since the 1980s'. Dr. Michael Neufeld at Providence Regional Medical Center says there are a number of factors.
"A lot of that is associated with increased multiple births and increased births of mothers who are older when they're having their children."
Dr. Neufeld also says underlying health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes can increase a mother's chance of going into labor early. Full-term babies are born at 40 weeks. Preemies are born at 37 weeks or sooner.
Those who arrive at 32 weeks usually have under-developed lungs or other significant respiratory problems. Those born at 24 weeks have a 50% survival rate, according to Dr. Neufeld.
"Very premature babies have a risk of having bleeding in the brain. The older they are, the less likely that is to occur, but we do find even born late pre-term have increased problems at school compared to term babies."
Dr. Neufeld says the most important thing an expectant mother can do is get regular checkups and prenatal care. Mothers should also take prenatal vitamins, take care of themselves - no drinking or smoking. Let your doctor know if you have an underlying health problem like diabetes or high blood pressure. To not do so, just isn't worth it.
According to the March of Dimes, it costs about $50,000 to take care of a preemie from the day they're born until their first birthday. For full-term (40-week) babies, it only cost about $4,500 dollars.
Dr. Neufeld says it's also important that mothers under 20 and over 40 get the proper care, because they are at higher risk of premature birth.
Ranae Dupas knows that fact all too well. Her daughter Ellie was born three months premature.
"We did all the prenatal care that we were supposed to and it was status quo.Then at 2a.m., everything changed and an hour and 40 minutes later, our little princess was born," says Dupas.
Ellie was 2lbs 1 oz when she was born.
"It was tough. You think every night, she could pass and it's not easy," says Denis Dupas, Ellie's father.
"Babies born very premature have a higher risk of developmental problems and other morbidities," says Dr. Neufeld.
Ellie for example survived low blood pressure, a staph infection, a spinal meningitis scare - her lung development will be a concern over the next two years. But today, she is doing well. She now weighs 8lbs.
"Ellie's a great example of what I get out of it. We love seeing these tiny babies who are so sick and so fragile recover. To give this family their child in as healthy a condition as can be -that's rewarding," says Dr. Neufeld.
But the numbers are still too high for comfort. Premature births have increased 36% since the 1980s'. Dr. Michael Neufeld at Providence Regional Medical Center says there are a number of factors.
"A lot of that is associated with increased multiple births and increased births of mothers who are older when they're having their children."
Dr. Neufeld also says underlying health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes can increase a mother's chance of going into labor early. Full-term babies are born at 40 weeks. Preemies are born at 37 weeks or sooner.
Those who arrive at 32 weeks usually have under-developed lungs or other significant respiratory problems. Those born at 24 weeks have a 50% survival rate, according to Dr. Neufeld.
"Very premature babies have a risk of having bleeding in the brain. The older they are, the less likely that is to occur, but we do find even born late pre-term have increased problems at school compared to term babies."
Dr. Neufeld says the most important thing an expectant mother can do is get regular checkups and prenatal care. Mothers should also take prenatal vitamins, take care of themselves - no drinking or smoking. Let your doctor know if you have an underlying health problem like diabetes or high blood pressure. To not do so, just isn't worth it.
According to the March of Dimes, it costs about $50,000 to take care of a preemie from the day they're born until their first birthday. For full-term (40-week) babies, it only cost about $4,500 dollars.
Dr. Neufeld says it's also important that mothers under 20 and over 40 get the proper care, because they are at higher risk of premature birth.
Ranae Dupas knows that fact all too well. Her daughter Ellie was born three months premature.
"We did all the prenatal care that we were supposed to and it was status quo.Then at 2a.m., everything changed and an hour and 40 minutes later, our little princess was born," says Dupas.
Ellie was 2lbs 1 oz when she was born.
"It was tough. You think every night, she could pass and it's not easy," says Denis Dupas, Ellie's father.
"Babies born very premature have a higher risk of developmental problems and other morbidities," says Dr. Neufeld.
Ellie for example survived low blood pressure, a staph infection, a spinal meningitis scare - her lung development will be a concern over the next two years. But today, she is doing well. She now weighs 8lbs.
"Ellie's a great example of what I get out of it. We love seeing these tiny babies who are so sick and so fragile recover. To give this family their child in as healthy a condition as can be -that's rewarding," says Dr. Neufeld.
