Premature birth rates revealed
The annual March of Dimes Premature birth report card released its grades.
It gives an overview of national birthrates and takes into account premature births statewide and nationwide.
Overall Idaho scored an “A,” but counties didn’t do quite so well, scoring a letter grade of “C.”
The counties were Canyon, Bonneville, Bannock and Twin Falls.
According to March of Dime.org, premature birth is the No. 1 cause of death among newborns worldwide. And a little over 10 percent of the births nationwide are premature.
In the state of Idaho 8 percent of the births are premature.
A local pediatrics doctor explains the reason behind a higher preterm birthrate within the county.
“Because we’re receiving high risk moms from two other states from parts of Wyoming parts of Montana,” and “That our county is going to be higher because we get all the preterm high risk moms sent to our county to deliver,”said Dr. Travis Anschutz, neonatologists.
There were only four states who received an “A” grade, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Vermont.
Alabama, Puerto Rico, Louisiana and Mississippi received an “F” grade.
Being born before 37 weeks or in some extreme cases 28 weeks can present health risks for the child.
“Neuro-developmental issues. Poor growth,”said Anschutz.
However, these babies do have a strong chance of developing later on in life, said Anschutz.
“Thee,4, 5 years of age, you know they’re running around playing soccer. And are pretty healthy.”
Nationwide vital statistical data shows minorities have higher preterm births, Hispanic, Native Americans and African Americans.
Despite the progress, the United States still received a “C” on the annual report card and still has one of the highest rates of preterm birth in any high resource country.
