Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon.  Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why.  Babies born too soon and too small struggle to survive those first weeks and sometimes months of life.  They are more likely to have developmental delays, chronic respiratory problems and vision or hearing impairment. 

The SDSMA is part of a statewide campaign to reduce premature birth by educating the public and health care providers.  Launched in 2002, the campaign is led by a Healthy Babies Council which is sponsored by the South Dakota Chapter of the March of Dimes.  For more information about the Healthy Babies Council, call the SDSMA office or the South Dakota Chapter of the March of Dimes at 605-334-8203.

General Information

• Fact Sheet on Prematurity
• Fact Sheet on Folic Acid
• Prematurity Campaign Powerpoint Presentation - January, 2005
• March of Dimes Mission Overview Powerpoint Presentation – January, 2005

Council Information

• Minutes, Council Meeting – June, 2005
• Minutes, Council Meeting – March, 2005
• Minutes, Council Meeting – January, 2005

Link

• March of Dimes, National Organization
• March of Dimes, South Dakota Chapter