As I have posted before, Davis was born at 31 weeks, weighing 3 lbs 9 oz. He spent 7 weeks in the NICU. You can read the story of his birth and the first few weeks here. I have posted numerous pictures about Davis and how amazing he is but today we fight for all Preemies.
In An Average Week in the United States*:
10,440 babies are born preterm
1,664 babies are born very preterm
6,769 babies are born low birthweight
1,217 babies are born very low birthweight
In 2006, there were 542,893 preterm births in the United States, representing 12.8% of live births.
Between 1996 and 2006, the rate of infants born preterm in the United States increased more than 16%.
During 2004-2006 (average) in the United States, preterm birth rates were highest for women ages 40 and older (16.8%), followed by women under age 20(14.7%), ages 30-39 (12.7%) and ages 20-29 (12.1%).
During 2004-2006 (average) in the United States, preterm birth rates were highest for black infants (18.3%), followed by Native Americans (14.1%), Hispanics (12.1%), whites (11.6%) and Asians (10.7%).
In 2005, the annual societal economic cost (medical, educational, and lost productivity) associated with preterm birth in the United States was at least $26.2 billion.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month and today bloggers unite to fight. Please take a few minutes to visit the March of Dimes to learn how you can help.
