Spring Valley, Summerlin Hospitals Recognized by March of Dimes for Reducing Early Deliveries
Spring Valley Hospital and Summerlin Hospital both reduced the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries performed before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy in calendar year 2016. All data provided met the March of Dimes’ criteria of an early elective delivery rate of three percent or less. This will give more babies a healthy start in life, the March of Dimes says.
“As health care providers, we understand the benefits of reducing unnecessary C-sections or inductions before 39 weeks or pregnancy, except when medically necessary,” said Karla Perez, Regional Vice President of The Valley Health System. “I’m proud our hospitals were part of the original 39+ Weeks Initiative with the March of Dimes.”
The Valley Health System hospitals were among 100 hospitals nationwide who were asked to join with the March of Dimes in 2012 to implement the “39+ Weeks Quality Improvement Service Package.” It was the first time a health care system like Valley Health System was invited to participate.
Over 7,500 babies were born at Spring Valley and Summerlin hospitals in 2016. Both hospitals feature comprehensive maternity services, including antepartum care for high-risk expectant mothers, maternal triage, labor and delivery, mother-baby care and level III neonatal intensive care units. Breastfeeding support and a variety of childbirth education classes are also available.
Learn more about maternity care at Spring Valley Hospital >
Learn more about maternity care at Summerlin Hospital >
March of Dimes is partnering with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services; Division of Public and Behavioral Health and the Nevada Hospital Association to recognize Nevada birthing hospitals that pledge to eliminate early elective deliveries.
“The last weeks of pregnancy are important. Babies aren’t just putting on weight. They are undergoing important development of the brain, lungs and other vital organs,” says Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA, March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. “We commend Spring Valley and Summerlin hospitals for being champions for babies with their quality improvement effort.”
Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants, March of Dimes says. Although the overall threat is small, the risk of death more than doubles for infants born at 37 weeks of pregnancy when compared to babies born at 40 weeks, for all races and ethnicities. Babies who survive an early birth often face lifelong health challenges, such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.
March of Dimes offers both professional and consumer education materials about the critical importance of a full-term pregnancy to the health and well-being of babies.
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
Find out how you can help prevent premature birth and birth defects by joining March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org.