Specific Purpose Statement: My audience will learn about preterm birth as well as the causes of it and ways to prevent it.
Central Idea: Preterm childbirth is the leading cause of death in infants, and it is important that we know that there are ways to prevent preterm birth and care for babies who are born prematurely.
Method of Organization: Topical
Introduction:
I. In a time where everything is seemingly at our fingertips, it can be difficult for us to adjust to things that are out of our control. Sometimes we don’t always get what we expect. We may have the perfect plan for what we are doing in life, and then something out of our control changes and our entire plan is forced to change with it. Can you imagine trying to prepare yourself for a child you are about to bring into this world, and you plan out your next 9 months to ensure that you have everything ready for when your child gets here, only for your child to surprise you by coming into this world x amount of months earlier than expected? Few parents plan for the possibility of a preterm birth, but members of the March of Dimes foundation, a prestigious organization designed to raise awareness as well as doing research and finding cures for birth defects and the crisis of prematurity, tells us that more than 1 in 10 babies are born preterm, and the numbers go up every year.
II. Premature birth occurs when a baby is born any time prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. (Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks.) Premature birth is the leading cause of death in newborns, and one of the leading causes of death for infants. (March of Dimes 2006) Preemie’s (babies born preterm) who survive often have multiple health problems.
III. Ever since my nephew was born 3months prematurely, I have been interested in and concerned about premature childbirth. Anyone who may have children someday should be aware of the possibility of preterm birth, and what it may bring.
IV. With that in
Cited: Kinney M.V., Howson, C.P, McDougall, L., and Lawn, J.E. Born Too Soon. March of Dimes updated 12 February 2012 Web. 29 Oct. 2012 "March Of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation." (n.d.): Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. Howse, Jennifer L.Weiss, MarinaGreen, Nancy S. "Critical Role Of The March Of Dimes In The Expansion Of Newborn Screening." Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews 12.4 (2006): 280-287. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 8 Oct. 2012.