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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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C-Sections Propel Jump in Preemies

Risks, costs skyrocket for premature infants, new research notes

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(Newser) – The number of US babies born before reaching normal gestation jumped by a third from 1996 to 2004, the Los Angeles Times reports, with Cesarean sections accounting for much of the rise. With health risks and high costs associated with premature babies, the trend presents "a serious problem," the March of Dimes Foundation's medical director warns.

Tamera Dixon weighed less than a soda can when she was born on April 25, 2007, and is thought to be one of the smallest babies ever born in New Jersey.
Tamera Dixon weighed less than a soda can when she was born on April 25, 2007, and is thought to be one of the smallest babies ever born in New Jersey.   (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
The percentage of births by C-section has risen from 5 to 30, raising concerns that doctors are allowing more babies to be born too early, over fears of possible labor complications.
The percentage of births by C-section has risen from 5 to 30, raising concerns that doctors are allowing more babies to be born too early, over fears of possible labor complications.   ((c) RcktManIL)
Although most of the early C-sections are deemed medically necessary, the growing practice of mothers scheduling births has sparked concern about their babies' health.
Although most of the early C-sections are deemed medically necessary, the growing practice of mothers scheduling births has sparked concern about their babies' health.   ((c) Yager-Madden)
Tamera Dixon's tiny feet are shown next to an adult hand on May 4, 2007. Believed to be one of the smallest babies ever born in New Jersey, the Trenton preemie weighed slightly more than 11 ounces.
Tamera Dixon's tiny feet are shown next to an adult hand on May 4, 2007. Believed to be one of the smallest babies ever born in New Jersey, the Trenton preemie weighed slightly more than 11 ounces.   (AP Photo/Capital Health System, Laura Cann)
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