The number of babies born prematurely (prior to 37 weeks gestation) reached a record high of 480,812 in 2002, according to a new report from the National Center for Health Statistics. In Oregon, the rate of premature births jumped 18 percent between 1992 and 2002. Nationally, the increase was 13 percent.

Premature birth is now the most common, serious, and costly infant health problem facing our nation. Hospitalization of these infants cost $13.6 billion nationally in 2002. Premature birth affects one in ten babies born in Oregon, and is the leading cause of newborn death. Babies who do survive often face serious lifelong health problems such as mental retardation, blindness, chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy.

The March of Dimes is beginning the second year of a five-year, $75 million campaign to address the growing rate of premature birth. The campaign works to educate women on the signs and symptoms of premature birth, and to support more research into the causes. One of the goals of the campaign is to reduce the rate of premature birth by 15 percent by 2007. For more information on the March of Dimes prematurity campaign, visit marchofdimes.com. For local statistics, visit marchofimes.com/peristats.