November 17th is National Prematurity Awareness Day, part of the March of Dime’s Prematurity Awareness Month. Twins and multiples are among the highest risk group for premature birth. Each year, nearly half a million babies are born prematurely, often with devastating lifelong consequences.

March of Dimes Fight for Preemies
Image courtesy March of Dimes

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign has two goals: (1) to raise public awareness of the problems of prematurity and (2) to decrease the rate of preterm birth in the U.S. The are accomplishing these goals by funding research, educating women about risk-reduction strategies, providing information and support to families, advocating for health care, and helping medical care providers address risk factors. You can also help the March of Dimes in this endeavor. Visit their website to learn more about prematurity and find out what you can do to promote this cause. Create a virtual wrist band in honor or in memory of children you love. Band together with others to collect donations to fuel the fight. Raise your voice by posting on Facebook, Twitter or a blog.

More Resources:
• Preterm Labor in Twin Pregnancy
• Caring for Preterm Twins or Multiples
• Consequences of Prematurity
• When Will My Twins Be Born?

Also on About.com:
• Cheryl Morrissette, About’s Guide to Preemies
• Avoiding Preterm Labor from About’s Guide to Pregnancy
• Premature Babies Photo Gallery from About’s Guide to Pediatrics

Elsewhere on the Web:
• March of Dimes Fight Prematurity Awareness Month
• Preemie Twins at TwinPregnancyandBeyond.com
• Long-Term Effects of Prematurity from the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club

Prematurity Awareness Day originally appeared on About.com Twins & Multiples on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 01:54:59.

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