government

HHS aims to improve prenatal care, reduce pre-term births

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 20, 2012

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services is offering more than $40 million in grants to support projects that enhance prenatal care and improve the health outcomes of pregnant women on Medicaid who are at risk for early births. The four-year initiative, called Strong Start, will include a premature birth public awareness campaign led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and efforts to improve dissemination of best practices to health professionals.

The number of premature births has increased by 36% in the last 20 years, according to HHS. Premature births are associated with greater infant health care needs, among other medical issues.

"The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has long recommended -- since at least 1978 -- that babies not be delivered prior to 39 weeks unless there is a valid, medical reason for the health of the woman and/or the baby," said ACOG Executive Vice President Hal C. Lawrence, MD.

Up to 12% of infants are born before 39 weeks, according to ACOG, which is working with CMS on Strong Start. Up to 10% of induced or surgical deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation aren't medically indicated, according to HHS.

More information about the program is available online (link).

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/02/20/gvbf0220.htm.

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