Las Vegas Urban League WIC Health Professionals Provide Valuable Information On Preventing Premature

LAS VEGAS - Nov. 1, 2021 - PRLog -- About 450,000 babies are born prematurely in the United States each year, and sadly health problems resulting from these early births are the main causes of infant deaths in the United States and around the world.

As part of the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Campaign, November has been designated as Prematurity Awareness Month. Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has a long history of being a full-service community resource for expectant parents fearful of giving birth to a premature baby.

"A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks," Semaj Bruce, Breastfeeding Program Coordinator, IBCLC at WIC, said. "A baby born just a few weeks early may develop vision and hearing problems, or have low body temperatures and experience problems during feeding. Seeking prenatal care early in pregnancy, especially if you are having issues with your uterus or cervix, is very important."

While there are several factors that contribute to delivering a baby prematurely, there are also proactive lifestyle changes expectant moms can follow to reduce their chances of going into labor too soon. These include:

• Avoid tobacco, smoking, e-cigarettes, and secondhand smoke
• Don't drink alcohol when trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy
• Don't use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs
• Eat a balanced diet containing foods rich in iron and folic acid
• Try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day
• Consult with your pediatrician in getting diabetes and high blood pressure under control
• Lose weight to avoid becoming obese, and if underweight, gain weight according to your doctor's advice
• Lower stress levels by taking classes in yoga or meditation
• Maintain a healthy relationship with your partner

It's important to recognize the signs of premature labor," Bruce said. "Notify your pediatrician or midwife immediately if you have contractions or tightening of your uterus that occurs more than 4 to 5 times an hour, if you feel pressure on your vagina or pelvic region, increased vaginal discharge, or bleeding in any amount coming from your vagina."

The March of Dimes states that approximately 80 percent of premature births are not expected, resulting in medical expenses of around $54,000 per premature birth, compared to $4,000 for a healthy, full-term delivery.

For more helpful information during Prematurity Awareness Month, visit the Urban League WIC website at: www.wiclv.org or their two convenient locations: 6480 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B, Las Vegas, phone (702) 227-1573 or 3320 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 50, Las Vegas, phone (702) 476-9561.

The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants, and Children Program is a 501c (3) program that is funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.