World Prematurity Day aims to lower rates of premature births_美文

World Prematurity Day aims to lower rates of premature births

Howsen is one of the co-authors of a recent study about prematurity published in the British medical journal, The Lancet. The study recommends five proven ways to reduce premature birth rates. These include ending elective cesarean sections and induced labor deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation. Both practices have become fairly common in high income countries.

New research finds that for normal development, babies need at least 39 weeks in the womb. Jennifer Howse is president of the March of Dimes Foundation.

"Full brain development, lung development does not take place until at least 39 weeks of completed gestation," said Howse.

Other proven ways to reduce the number of premature births include limiting the number of embryos transferred to the womb during in vitro fertilizations, quitting tobacco use and limiting weight gain during pregnancy and making sure women have good health care before and throughout their pregnancies. Howsen says the data came from high income countries but the knowledge can be applied everywhere.

"These are issues that are also becoming issues of middle and even low-income countries," Howse added.

For those observing World Prematurity Day, a Facebook page lets people go online to share their stories about babies who are born too soon. It's a simple and effective way to put a human face on the issue of prematurity.