Report card out on premature births

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The annual report card on premature births is in and Connecticut has good reason to celebrate.

Once again, the rate of babies born too soon has declined. It's part of a national trend.

The March of Dimes issues the report card to ensure that more babies are born healthy in this country. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and babies who do survive can face the risk of lifetime health challenges.

For the past three months Sandra Moutinho has kept a patient vigil at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

She gave birth to twins.

"My husband and I actually did tour the NICU about two weeks before they were born," Moutinho said.

Daughter Sophia and son Gavin arrived early at 27 weeks.

"We were both blessed that there really wasn't anything major," said Moutinho, "really what they had to do was grow."

Babies born too soon are common when families expect multiple births. Overall in Connecticut, the rate of premature births is moving in the right direction.

The March of Dimes gives the state a "B" in its annual report card with the rate of preterm babies dropping again.

"Here in Connecticut, we're partnering with many departments, the health department, with hospitals such as Connecticut Children's Medical Center, educating those health professionals why babies are worth the wait," said Leigh-Anne Lefurge, March of Dimes.

Early inductions of labor and c-sections have contributed to increases in rates of babies born at 34 to 36 weeks.

A March of Dimes initiative is underway to discourage doctors from scheduling c-sections before 39 weeks.

"If a woman needs to be delivered either for her well being or for her baby's well being those deliveries should absolutely happen," said Dr. Marilyn Sanders. "What we're trying to do prevent here are the convenience delivers."

"At 39 weeks it's okay to schedule a c-section," asked News 8's Jocelyn Maminta.

"At 39 and 40 weeks those babies will have optimal outcomes," said Dr. Sanders.

Neonatalogist Dr. Sanders says it's what's best for baby and family.

For the Moutinho family the worst is over. Gavin is already home.

"It was hard to see them so small and fragile," said Moutinho, "but we've come a long way and they are both doing great and we're hoping Sophia will join us before Thanksgiving."

Studies show that 39 weeks is important for a baby's health because major organs, including the brain and lungs, are not completely developed until then.

This Saturday is World Prematurity Day, in support of the 'Every Women Every Child' effort led by the UN Secretary General.