MAITLAND — March of Dimes and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of District XII (Florida) are recognizing more than 40 Florida hospitals for successfully reducing their rates of early elective deliveries. This includes inductions of labor and cesarean sections scheduled without a medical reason before 39 weeks of pregnancy.
North Okaloosa Medical Center in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center are among recognized hospitals.
The March of Dimes and the ACOG presented a joint special recognition banner to each hospital highlighting its commitment to improving the quality of care for mothers and babies.
The banner recognition program is an element of the March of Dimes national campaign, "Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait." One goal is to reduce the rate of elective deliveries before 39 weeks of pregnancy to 5 percent or less.
"Studies have shown that deliveries that are scheduled for non-medical reasons may increase harm to infants, increase health care costs, and worsen medical outcomes," said Dr. Robert Yelverton, Chair of ACOG District XII. "We are extremely pleased with the participation from the hospitals across Florida and with the great results this collaborative effort is seeing."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa, Fort Walton Beach hospitals recognized for reducing early elective deliveries