The March of Dimes Nevada Chapter launched the Nevada Prematurity Campaign in 2009 to educate moms and dads on things they need to do to have a healthy baby.

In Fall 2008, March of Dimes released report cards for each state to show where each state stood in the fight against preterm births. Nevada earned an “F”. Nevada also earned an “F” on the 2009 report card.

The failing grades were primarily due to three areas:
1. Uninsured women
2. Late pre-term births
3. Pregnant women who smoke

We currently are working with our state leaders on presumptive eligibility; presuming that women are eligible for insurance coverage so that they get the pre-natal and neonatal care they need to have healthy babies.

March of Dimes studies have shown that there is a trend across the country for non-emergency C-sections. There are too many C-sections being performed for convenience instead of emergency. We are educating medical professionals across the country to give babies their full nine months.

Research has shown that pregnant women who smoke are exposing their unborn children to unnecessary risks resulting in pre-term births and birth defects. If you are pregnant, please do not smoke.

During an average week in Nevada, 770 babies are born. Of those, 110 (1 in 7) are born preterm. Sixty-four of those babies are born with low birth weight. Of the 770 born just this week, four babies will not reach their first birthday. 

Costs related to premature birth exceed $26 million each year in the form of insurance premiums, medical costs and time lost from work.

March of Dimes has a successful track record. We funded the research to find a cure for polio. We funded the research that found a synthetic surfactant therapy which preterm babies receive so they can breathe when their lungs are not fully developed. And we fund many other research projects to find other causes for premature birth and birth defects.

We look forward to the day when all babies will be born healthy.