What factors contribute to premature births?
About one in four women of childbearing age in California has no insurance coverage, and one in nine is a smoker. Health care access before and during pregnancy can help identify and manage the conditions that contribute to premature birth. Smoking cessation programs can reduce risks of premature birth. The Institute of Medicine estimates the economic cost of prematurity at $26 billion annually — more than half billed to employers and private insurers. How does California rank among the rest of the nation? In the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, California received a ‘C’ and the nation a ‘D’ on the numbers of premature births. While our state rates among the top 10 percent in the U.S., we need to further fund research to uncover causes of premature birth that lead to prevention strategies and better outcomes and promote workplaces that support maternal and infant health. In what ways does the March of Dimes help? As the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby h
