LAKEPORT >> In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to fight polio, inspired by his own experience with the disease. Almost eighty years later, the nonprofit is known as the March of Dimes, an organization that promotes the health of babies with a focus on combating prematurity and birth defects, and supporting families affected by infant health problems.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital proudly partnered with Sutter Health to raise over $18,000 dollars to support the March of Dimes. Members of the Sutter Lakeside Hospital team raised over $9,800 dollars and participated in the four mile March for Babies, which helps fund research, health education and prenatal care.
“Sutter Lakeside is proud to support the March of Dimes’ mission,” said Siri Nelson, Chief Administrative Officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Premature birth is the top killer of babies. Full term pregnancy is important to the health of both mother and child, and research for the prevention of premature birth is vital.”
One in ten babies born in Lake County is born prematurely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A premature birth is defined as the birth of an infant before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Vital lung and brain function fully develop in the last four weeks of pregnancy, as well as weight gain that will help regulate body temperature outside of the womb; thus, a preterm birth can contribute to lifelong neurological disabilities or lung problems in children, according to the CDCP.
While premature labor can happen to the healthiest of mothers, certain risk factors can contribute to the likelihood of a preterm birth.
“Incidences of preterm births are on the rise, so early prenatal care is essential,” said Dr. Derrick Barnes, Ob-Gyn, Sutter Lakeside Community Clinic. “Maintaining a healthy weight, knowing your family medical history, and refraining from drugs and alcohol during pregnancy are all factors that contribute to a healthy baby. However, even a pregnancy under the best conditions can lead to preterm birth. An established relationship with an obstetrician is crucial to ensure the best care for both mother and child.”
Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and monitoring chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and thyroid problems are also important to a healthy pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes.
“By partnering with organizations like the March of Dimes and providing the best care for mothers and babies, we’re committed to ensuring healthy, full term pregnancies whenever possible,” said Nelson.
To learn more about healthy pregnancies, or to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN, please call Sutter Lakeside Community Clinic at (707) 263 — 6885.
