| Over half a million American babies are born prematurely—before 37 weeks of completed gestation—every year. In Pennsylvania, 16,000 babies arrive too soon each year. The Pittsburgh area has a higher rate than the national average, 1 out of 7 babies born premature, the National average is 1 out of 8.
Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in the first month of life, and for the survivors, can lead to serious lifelong disability, including blindness, cerebral palsy, retardation, and chronic lung problems. Nationally, the rate of prematurity has increased over 30 percent since 1981, making preterm birth a silent crisis in America.
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is nothing to be expected when you are pregnant and eagerly awaiting the birth of your infant. However, a baby born before 37 weeks gestational age—some at less than a pound in weight—and some who have to fight for their lives spend days, weeks and some times months in this specialized unit.
The March of Dimes spearheaded the regionalization of NICUs, ensuring no matter where a baby is born, they are within 100 miles of a facility who can properly care for them. Pittsburgh have several specialized units through out the area, and with the increasing rate of preterm babies, these units are often full with the area’s tiniest residents. Babies from other counties and sometime countries are also transported to one of these NICUs, to receive specialized care from staff that compare to no other unit’s.
The March of Dimes is working harder than anyone to find the answers to prematurity, and in 2003, the voluntary health agency launched a Prematurity Campaign to raise awareness and fund more research and education for preterm births. For half of all cases, there is no known cause. Preterm
labor can happen to anyone.
It happened to Craig and Lori McRoberts from McMurray.
The McRoberts’ daughter, Ella, was born at 32 weeks gestation. Ella was expected in July of 2003 and came in mid-May weighing just 4 lbs 14 oz. She might be older in gestation than some premature babies and a larger weight, but Ella struggled with her respiratory system being so underdeveloped. Ella ended up having three doses of surfactant therapy, because her fragile lungs were having a difficult time staying fully open.
Surfactant therapy is the life saving drug that was developed through a researcher supported by the March of Dimes. This drug helps the lungs stay open with a lubrication affect to keep the lungs from sticking together. This drug has significantly increased the survival rate for the smallest of babies.
Ella ended up staying in the NICU for a few weeks and went home to her family. Ella is a happy and healthy little girl today.
The McRoberts’ never thought, after the premature birth of their daughter Ella, that they would ever experience the NICU again. Luckily, Lori knew the signs & symptoms of prematurity and knew just when to seek help from her physician regarding her second pregnancy.
However, Craig and Lori were thrown into the same nightmare with their second child.
At 35 weeks gestation, little Brady McRoberts, weighing just 4 lbs 11oz had a couple weeks more than his sister.
Sadly, the McRoberts’ missed the chance, once again, to bring their baby home with them from the hospital. Brady spent 9 days in the NICU at Allegheny General Hospital.
Both Ella and Brady have struggled to survive and have a wonderful ending of being happy and healthy little children.
The McRoberts’ recognize that their story could have been very different.
Once again, Prematurity is the number 1 cause of infant death in America. Some babies go home on oxygen, need therapies for years and have long-term disabilities. These babies need the support of our communities to advocate and spread awareness to our communities.
The March of Dimes is working toward the day every baby gets their full 9 months and is born with a healthy start.
Please join the McRoberts’ and many other families as they recognize Prematurity Awareness Month by honoring hospitals throughout Pittsburgh for their on-going dedication to premature babies.
- Hamot Medical Center, November 1, 2006 from 12pm-2pm
- Dubois Regional Medical Center, November 9, 2006 from 12pm-2pm
- West Penn Hospital, November 13, 2006 from 12pm-2pm at the School of Nursing
- Magee-Womens Hospital, November 14, 2006 from 10am-12pm in the NICU Parent Lounge
- Allegheny General Hospital, November 15, 2006 from 12pm-2pm in the Conference Center
- The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, November 17, 2006 from 9am-11am
- Mercy Hospital, November 17, 2006 4pm-6pm
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org. |
