Prematurity in Black Pregnancies
Many Black women deliver their babies before full term, often less than 38 weeks instead of 40 weeks. A full 40 weeks is needed for full brain development. Premature babies have mental problems that last into childhood. They are less able to make friends and to pay attention in school. They can have other health and behavioral problems into adolescence, when they are more likely to be troubled teenagers. Prematurity is often preventable with good prenatal care, including prenatal vitamins and adequate levels of choline. |