ISHPEMING, MI-- The March of Dimes has recognized UPHS-Bell for its work to give babies a healthier start in life.
The hospital earned the recognition after reducing the number of elective inductions and cesarean deliveries performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy to less than one percent. The March of Dimes says it’s a tremendous accomplishment.
Officials say studies have shown that babies born even just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. Although the overall risk of infant death at term is low, the rate of death for babies born at 37 weeks is more than double that of infants born at 40 weeks.
Bell Chief Nursing Officer Sandra McGovern says the March of Dimes has been getting the word out that “healthy babies are worth the wait.” She says the hospital was eager to support that message.
