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Rates of premature births are continuing to climb in the United States, with 1 in 10 babies being born before 37 weeks gestation. While Kansas falls slightly below the national average for prematurity at 10.1%, large disparities exist with Black mothers experiencing premature deliveries 51% more often than those of other races. Factors such as inadequate health care coverage, poverty, chronic disease and smoking, as well as inadequate prenatal education are identified as being contributing factors of premature births.
Use the data, resources, and social media posts in this toolkit throughout November to observe World Prematurity Month, learn more, and share information about prematurity and how it can be prevented.
Social Media Graphics and Messages
Post 1
Disparities in Kansas
In Kansas, Black mothers are 45% more likely to have a preterm birth than women of other races. Call your doctor right away and or seek immediate medical attention if you suspect preterm labor. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of preterm labor at marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/signs-and-symptoms-preterm-labor-infographic. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Disparidades en Kansas
En Kansas, las madres afroamericanas tienen un 45% más de probabilidades de tener un parto prematuro que las mujeres de otras razas. Llame a su médico de inmediato o busque atención médica inmediata si sospecha de un parto prematuro en: marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/signs-and-symptoms-preterm-labor-infographic. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Post 2
Steps Toward Health & Managing Stress During Pregnancy
While there are many things during pregnancy that you can’t control, there are some things you can do to give your baby the best start at life. Get vaccinated against Covid-19 and influenza, take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, and minimize stress when you can. A few stress management ideas are: take a short walk, spend time outside in sunshine, take a long shower, or try some simple breathing exercises. Talk with your provider if you are struggling to cope with stressors. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Pasos hacia la salud y manejo del estrés durante el embarazo
Aunque hay muchas cosas durante el embarazo que no puede controlar, hay algunas cosas que puede hacer para dar a su bebé el mejor comienzo en la vida. Vacúnese contra el Covid-19 y la gripe, tome una vitamina prenatal con ácido fólico y minimice el estrés siempre que pueda. Algunas ideas para controlar el estrés son: dar un pequeño paseo, pasar tiempo al aire libre bajo el sol, darse una larga ducha o probar algunos ejercicios sencillos de respiración. Hable con su proveedor si tiene dificultades para afrontar los factores de estrés. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Post 3
Prenatal Care
Getting early, regular prenatal care is one of the most important things you can do for you and your baby. Regular health care visits can reduce your risk of having your baby prematurely, which can have long-term impacts on your baby’s health and wellness. Some insurance plans can even help you with transportation to and from your appointments! Find out more about available plans or apply for coverage through KanCare.ks.gov or HealthCare.gov. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Cuidado Prenatal
Recibir atención prenatal temprana y regular es una de las cosas más importantes que puede hacer por usted y por su bebé. Las visitas regulares de atención médica pueden reducir el riesgo de tener un bebé prematuro, lo que puede tener efectos a largo plazo en la salud y el bienestar de su bebé. ¡Algunos planes de seguro pueden incluso ayudarle con el transporte de ida y vuelta a sus citas! Averigüe más sobre los planes disponibles o solicite cobertura a través de KanCare.ks.gov o CuidadoDeSalud.gov. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
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Quit – It’s Worth It!
Did you know that the Kansas Tobacco Quitline has a special, free program designed specifically to help pregnant moms quit? Tobacco use in pregnancy has been linked to premature births for babies, which can lead to undeveloped lungs and brain functioning. Babies born prematurely can have difficulties feeding, breathing, and even trouble with their eyesight and hearing. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby – and yourself. Free resources are available for anyone who wants to quit using tobacco products. Visit ksquit.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for 24/7 support. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Deje de fumar - ¡Vale la pena!
¿Usted sabía que Kansas Tobacco Quitline tiene un programa especial gratuito diseñado específicamente para ayudar a las madres embarazadas a dejar de fumar? El consumo de tabaco en el embarazo se ha vinculado a los nacimientos prematuros de los bebés, lo que puede llevar a que los pulmones y el funcionamiento del cerebro no se desarrollen. Los bebés que nacen prematuramente pueden tener dificultades para alimentarse, respirar e incluso problemas de vista y oído. Dejar de fumar es una de las mejores decisiones que puede hacer por su bebé y por usted misma. Hay recursos gratuitos disponibles para cualquier persona que quiera dejar de consumir productos de tabaco. Visite: ksquit.org o llame al 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) para obtener asistencia las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Post 5
The Last Weeks Matter!
While the last few weeks of pregnancy can feel as though they last forever, they are essential to the health of your baby! In a typical, healthy pregnancy, waiting to deliver until you’re past the 39 week mark can help ensure that your baby’s lungs and brain are fully developed and can help avoid complications caused from a premature delivery. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
¡Las últimas semanas importan!
¡Aunque las últimas semanas del embarazo pueden parecer eternas, son esenciales para la salud de su bebé! En un embarazo típico y saludable, esperar a dar a luz hasta que se haya superado la marca de la semana 39 puede ayudar a garantizar que los pulmones y el cerebro de su bebé estén completamente desarrollados y puede ayudar a evitar complicaciones causadas por un parto prematuro. #PrematurityAwarenessMonth
Prematurity Awareness Resources
Infographics
- March of Dimes: Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait
- March of Dimes: Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor
- CDC: Protect Yourself and Your Baby from COVID-19
National Toolkits
- CDC: COVID-19 Toolkit for Pregnant People
- March of Dimes: IMPLICIT (Interventions to Minimize Preterm and Low birth weight Infants using Continuous Improvement Techniques) Toolkit
- March of Dimes: Prematurity Awareness Toolkit
- Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN): Go the Full 40 Campaign Toolkit
- Healthy Newborn Network: World Prematurity Day 2023 Campaign Materials
Public Health Strategies to Prevent Preterm Birth
For Providers
- Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative
- National Institutes of Health: Gestational Age Designations for Health Care Providers
- National Institute for Children’s Health Quality: Infant Mortality Prevention Toolkit
- Kansas Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation Line
- CDC Foundation: Pregnant and Protected Campaign Materials
For Patients/Clients
- March of Dimes: Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor
- CDC: Preterm Birth FAQs for Women and Their Families
- CDC: Smoking, Pregnancy, and Babies
- AWHONN and Healthy Mom & Baby Magazine: Go the Full 40
- March of Dimes: Doulas and Improved Birth Outcomes Impact Statement
- CDC Foundation: Pregnant and Protected from COVID-19
