Premature Babies

Calgary Health Concerned At Rising Number Of Premature Babies

Calgary’s rising rate of premature and low birth weight babies is currently being investigated by health officials. In 2004, 9.3% of births in Calgary were premature, increasing from 8% in 1999. Additionally, low birth weight babies accounted for 7.1% of births, up from 6.3% during the same period.

To address this issue, researchers from around the world will gather in Calgary for a conference in May to examine the causes behind this trend and develop strategies to address it.

Jodean Harrison, a mother whose son was born premature, expressed her frustration and concern about the situation. Max, her son, had to stay in a special care nursery for 13 days due to his premature birth.

Doctors and researchers in Calgary are working together to uncover the reasons behind the increasing number of premature and underweight babies. Suzanne Tough, who conducted a report on the issue for the Calgary Health Region, identified several factors. One contributing factor is that women in Calgary are waiting longer to become mothers, with nearly 20% of women being over the age of 35 when having children, higher than other urban areas.

Furthermore, there are regional differences within Calgary, with higher rates of premature and underweight babies observed in the northeast. This area also has lower-income neighborhoods with limited healthcare services and a larger population of Calgarians with English as a second language, which may hinder access to appropriate healthcare services.

SOURCE

About the author

Lisa Arneill

Founder of Growing Your Baby and World Traveled Family. Canadian mom of 2 boys, photo addict, lover of bulldogs, and museumgoer. Always looking for our next vacation spot!

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