Shining a Light on Prematurity Awareness Month: Addressing the Urgent Challenges of Maternal and Infant Health in Allen County

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus global attention on the critical challenges of maternal and infant health—challenges that are especially pressing in our community. In Allen County, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year. This statistic stresses the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and systemic change to protect the health of mothers and their babies.   

The March of Dimes 2023 Prematurity Report Card paints a stark picture. Indiana received a D grade with a preterm birth rate of 10.9%, while Allen County fared even worse, scoring an F with 11.6%. These numbers demand our attention, action, and support to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable community members.   

Disparities and Systemic Inequities   

The challenges of preterm birth extend beyond biological factors. Systemic disparities, including racial inequities, significantly impact outcomes for mothers and their infants. Black women, for example, are 62% more likely to experience preterm births than women of other racial or ethnic groups. This disparity is rooted in structural racism and inequities in healthcare access, creating barriers that profoundly affect maternal and infant health.   

These disparities contribute to the United States’ troubling preterm birth rate, which is at a 15-year high. Each year, over 370,000 babies are born prematurely in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for targeted action to address these inequities and support all families.   

Local Efforts to Combat Prematurity   

Healthier Moms and Babies is leading the fight against these troubling trends. Supporting those at the highest risk of poor birth outcomes makes a difference, one family at a time. Through our work, more babies are reaching their first birthdays. Healthier Moms and Babies programs offer critical resources to expectant mothers, promote full-term pregnancies, and help reduce the rate of preterm births. 

Steps to Prevent Preterm Birth   

Preventing preterm births starts with empowering women to take proactive steps for their health and the health of their future children. The March of Dimes recommends the following: 

• Recognize the signs of preterm labor. Early detection and timely treatment can delay labor, giving babies crucial time to grow and develop.   

• Schedule a preconception checkup. This helps manage preexisting health conditions, reach a healthy weight, and ensure the body is ready for pregnancy.   

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious foods, regular physical activity, and consistent prenatal care improve both physical and mental well-being during pregnancy.   

The Road Ahead   

While Indiana has made progress—such as expanding Medicaid to increase access to prenatal care—more needs to be done. Policies like Paid Family Leave and Medicaid reimbursement for home visiting programs and doula services could extend and sustain the vital work of organizations like Healthier Moms and Babies.   

This Prematurity Awareness Month let’s come together as a community to address the challenges of maternal and infant health. By supporting Healthier Moms and Babies, advocating for systemic change, and spreading awareness, we can pave the way for healthier pregnancies, stronger families, and a brighter future for all babies in Allen County.   

Together, we can make a difference.   

Paige Wilkins, CEO of Healthier Moms and Babies