1. Julie Garden-Robinson Food and Nutrition Specialist

2. Preterm Pregnancy Facts Babies born before the 37 th week of pregnancy are “premature” or “preterm” Nationwide, one in eight babies were born preterm in 2003 The rate of preterm births in North Dakota increased 32% between 1993 and 2003

3. What Are Risks for Babies Born Preterm? Many babies will “catch up” with full- term babies Preterm babies often are at higher risk of health problems and disabilities

4. What Causes Preterm Birth? Half of preterm births have unknown causes

5. Who Can Have a Premature Baby? Any women can have in a preterm baby

6. What Increases Your Risk? Previous preterm births Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples Being younger than 17 years or older than 35 Smoking Alcohol or Drug Abuse Unplanned pregnancy

7. What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor? Cramps or pelvic pressure A low, dull headache Contractions every 10 minutes Your health-care provider can determine preterm labor

8. What Should You Do if You Have Signs of Preterm Labor? Call your health-care provider or hospital You may need to come in immediately OR You may be told to: Stop what you’re doing Drink 2-3 glasses of water Lie down on your left side for an hour Monitor contractions Call your health-care provider again and describe what is happening

9. Healthy Pregnancy Checklist: Have a pre-pregnancy checkup and prenatal care Eat a balanced, varied diet Don’t smoke Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs Reduce stress Consult your health- care provider before taking medications Consume a supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid Gain appropriate weight

10. For More Information About Healthy Pregnancy, Visit: March of Dimes www.marchofdimes.com The National Women’s Health Information Center www.4women.gov/Pregnancy/

11. For More Information About Nutrition and Health, Visit: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/food/ Presentation by Bridget Curley, Program Assistant