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Did you know...
November is Prematurity Awareness Month!
In an average week in California:1
§ 10,555 babies are born
§ 1,084 babies are born preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation)
§ 724 babies are born low birth weight (under 5 ½ pounds)
§ 54 babies die before reaching their first birthday
In an average week in Stanislaus County:2
§ 169 babies are born
§ 17 babies are born preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation)
§ 3 babies are low birth weight (under 5 ½ pounds)
§ 4 babies die each month before they reach their first birthday
Out of the 58 Counties in California, Stanislaus County ranks:3
§ 47th for all Infant deaths
§ 48th for Black Infant deaths
§ 50th for Hispanic Infant deaths
§ 41st for White Infant deaths
§ 36th for low birth weight infants
You may wonder what all of these numbers mean. What they mean is that Stanislaus County has a problem with prematurity and birth outcomes! Babies here are born too soon and die too often. And this is not ok to any of us.
What can you do about this? Get educated!
§ Start prenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant and keep going to all of your appointments even if you feel well.
§ Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do if they occur.
§ Eat a healthy diet and gain the amount of weight your doctor recommends.
§ Make sure you are taking care of yourself during this important time!
The March of Dimes has wonderful information for every woman – those who are planning to become pregnant as well as those who already are.
If you are concerned about paying for prenatal care or have questions about your pregnancy please call us here at Public Health – we can help! The number to call is (209) 558-7400 or (800) 834-8171.
You can also help us as we work to find solutions – here is a link to a Prenatal Care Survey that Public Health is currently conducting. If you are pregnant or have a baby that is under a year old please take a few minutes and fill it out for us. We would appreciate it!
2. County birth and death statistics
