Infant Prematurity Assessment helps identify high-risk moms-to-be A recent report from the Institute of Medicine revealed that one in eight babies in the United States is born at least three weeks premature, a 30 percent increase in two decades. In an effort to battle prematurity on a local level, Saint Peter's University Hospital offers the Infant Prematurity Assessment and Prevention Program for pregnant women and women preparing to become pregnant who are at high risk for delivering preterm or low-birth-weight babies. Dr. Carlos Benito, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Infant Prematurity Assessment and Prevention Program and associate director of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Division at Saint Peter's, says, "Most preterm births occur spontaneously for natural reasons. However, the number of preterm births due to certain medical complications could be reduced if treatable medical conditions are identified early and proper precautions are taken." Dr. Benito emphasizes that women who are concerned they may be at high risk should schedule a consultation before they become pregnant. "There are several conditions that can be treated before a woman becomes pregnant that can reduce her chance of delivering prematurely," said Dr. Benito. "For example, a common medical condition that can be detected and treated early is antiphospholipid syndrome. With this syndrome, the body produces antibodies that attack the placenta and can compromise fetal well-being or cause fetal death. Treatment can improve pregnancy outcome 70 percent of the time - but only if treated prior to conception. Also, certain uterine abnormalities can be surgically corrected before a woman becomes pregnant to reduce her risk of early delivery." Women at high-risk include those who have one or more of the following risk factors: a previous preterm delivery, multiple gestation (carrying twins, triplets, etc.), a family history of preterm births, a uterine problem, diabetes or a history of chronic hypertension or severe gum disease. Smoking cigarettes and using illegal drugs while pregnant also increase the risk of early delivery. The Infant Prematurity Assessment and Prevention Program at Saint Peter's evaluates potential risk factors and develops pregnancy management plans for each woman to help her obtain the best possible outcome for her pregnancy. The multidisciplinary team includes Saint Peter's physicians who are experts in maternal fetal medicine, genetics, obstetrics, internal medicine and perinatal pathology. Women do not need referrals from their doctors but can make consultation appointments on their own; however, once they are admitted to the program, patients' primary obstetricians are kept informed and involved in all decisions. For more information about Saint Peter's Infant Prematurity Assessment and Prevention Program or to schedule a consultation, call Dolores E. Spock, R.N.C., at (732) 745-8600, ext. 8616.