Study: Average preemie costs $49,000 in first year

By Elizabeth Landau

©  Since 1999, 100 babies were born at New Generation. They were born full-term, saving approximately $490,000.00.

    * By definition, a premature baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy

    * In tough economic times, pregnant women should not cut back on health care or proper nutrition and exercise.

 (CNN) -- The average cost of medical care for a premature or low birth-weight baby for its first year of life is about $49,000, according to a new report from the March of Dimes Foundation.

By contrast, a newborn without complications costs $4,551 for care in its first year of life, the report said.

The foundation wants to show employers the importance of good maternity care, maternity coverage, and prevention of prematurity, said Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes, a nonprofit for pregnancy and baby health.

"It's in the best interest of the bottom line for the employer, and of course it's certainly in the best interest for the baby, the employee, and ultimately the community in which the business is located," she said.

Prematurity may contribute to problems such as cerebral palsy, vision problems, learning disabilities, and developmental delays, experts say.  

The rate of premature babies in the United States has increased 36 percent since the early 1980s, the March of Dimes said.

Prenatal care is essential in helping mothers carry their babies to term, experts say. ©   New Generation provides transportation to all medical, dental and mental health appointments. A dedicated highly skilled team provides nutritious meals, exercise programs, and parental education for all residents.

www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/17/premature.babies