MCHD observing World Prematurity Day 11.17.25

November 17, 2025

MCHD observing World Prematurity Day

MOBILE, Ala. — World Prematurity Day is a global moment to raise awareness of the impact of preterm birth and advocate for quality care for every baby who is born too soon. This year’s theme is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

Around 1 in 10 babies worldwide is preterm – born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Without effective care, they are at high risk of life-threatening health conditions like respiratory distress, infections, and hypothermia, which together lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year.

The Mobile County Health Department’s Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Program was established to identify critical community strengths and weaknesses, as well as unique health and social issues, associated with poor outcomes of pregnancy. The program is a community-based statewide initiative designed to enhance the health and well-being of women, infants, and families through the review of deidentified cases of fetal (stillbirth) and infant deaths, and voluntary maternal interviews. The Mobile County FIMR Program, known as the Alabama Baby Coalition, began in 1998 and continues to be active in improving pregnancy outcomes.

“FIMR reviews cases to ensure newborn screening was conducted and timely follow-up care was completed,” said Yvonne Baynard, who oversees the Alabama Baby Coalition. “The review process can identify failures in screening processes or communication.”

As of this year, Mobile County has received a total of 40 fetal and infant death records. As of these, seven cases have been identified as Extreme Prematurity and are scheduled for review by the FIMR teams.

The FIMR teams remain committed to reducing infant mortality through thorough case reviews and active participation in safe sleep awareness campaigns. In support of this effort, families are encouraged to create safe sleep environments for infants. To assist with this, free Pack ‘n’ Plays are available for qualifying families with babies aged 0–6 months. For more information about this program, please call 251-694-5007.

FIMR often partners with MCHD’s Maternal & Child Health programs and community organizations to ensure improvements in newborn screening outcomes.