Did you know that more than half a million babies are born prematurely every year? Or that those born too soon—before 27 weeks gestation—are more likely to suffer lifelong disabilities if they are strong enough to survive?

And did you know that, while there is no magic wand to wave, you still can do something to help babies and their families?

March to it
The March of Dimes has changed the name of its annual nationwide fundraising walk benefiting babies from March of Dimes WalkAmerica to a very simple and direct March for Babies.

And I’ll admit that anything with the word “Baby” makes my heart melt, and while being a first-time mom may have a little something to do with it, the name change to March for Babies certainly did catch my attention.

I have signed up to walk with a wonderful team of women (and their adorable babies), and am very much looking forward to what promises to be a good time, made even better for the good cause we all will be supporting.

Walks are taking place all over the country, and some have already come and gone, but there still many chances to help support a worthy cause.

Too little, too early
The average pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, with babies born between 37 to 42 weeks completed weeks of pregnancy considered “full term.” But, says the March of Dimes, about 12.5 percent of children (more than half a million) are born prematurely. And for reasons currently unknown to the medical community, the rate of pre-term births has increased by more than 30 percent since 1981, with only about a quarter accounting for early induction of labor for the mother and child.

It is a dangerous upward trend, and poses serious health risks. According to the March of Dimes, premature babies are at increased risk for:

• newborn health complications
• mental retardation
• cerebral palsy
• lung and gastrointestinal problems
• vision and hearing loss
• death

Knowing what I do now, I consider myself very lucky. And to be frank, I’m glad I was too naive to be afraid when my blood pressure suddenly spiked during my 35^th week of pregnancy. I just did as I was told and rested, kept my feet up, and had my blood pressure monitored on a frequent basis (with occasional trips to the hospital for added measure.)

I remember the midwife telling me that she was hoping they could hold me off until I was full-term for the sake of the baby.

Thankfully, my body listened, and the day before I began my 37^th week of gestation, my blood pressure spiked to levels dangerous enough to have me sent to the hospital for an induction the next morning.

I remember thinking that I didn’t have time to finish decorating the nursery, and only now realize how lucky my baby and I actually were.

How to help
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency known for its mission of preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality.

With every walker registered, and every dollar donated, we can help.

Interested in finding a walk near you?

Has your event already passed? Find more ways to contribute.