Colorado programs

Sometimes, babies need to be delivered early, for the sake of the mother, the baby or both. But when there's no medical reason, elective procedures like c-sections and labor inductions can cause avoidable problems for mom and baby, especially before week 39 of pregnancy. Babies born prematurely (at 37 weeks of pregnancy or earlier) may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born full term. The last few weeks of pregnancy are key for baby’s development. If your pregnancy is healthy, let labor start on its own. If you need to have your baby early and can control the timing, wait till at least week 39. Healthy babies are worth the wait!

HEALTHY MOM/HEALTHY BABY RESOURCES
* Try our interactive 39 Weeks Campaign Flash presentation and find out why babies need time, why scheduling an early birth can be a problem and what questions to ask your health provider
* Read our 39 Weeks Campaign Fact Sheet
* Read about Camille Hoffman, MD, our 39 Weeks Campaign Spokesdoctor
* Watch our 39 Weeks Campaign public service announcements:
30 seconds - "Dog"
30 seconds - "Boy or Girl"
30 seconds - "Red Hair"
30 seconds - "Stay Away"
60 seconds - "Advice"

MORE INFORMATION
* When is your baby due? Use our ovulation calendar to find out
* Learn the medical reasons for a c-section
* Compare c-section delivery to vaginal delivery
* Watch a video about c-sections
* Ask our medical experts a question and get an answer

IN THE NEWS
* March of Dimes Colorado Chapter Unveils New Premature Birth Prevention Tools for Pregnant Women (PDF)
* Colorado's Grade Improves on Annual Premature Birth Report Card (PDF)

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