Avoid foods containing pesticides. Write to your federal officials, asking them to boost funding for premature birth research.

More than 1 in 10 U.S. babies come into the world too soon.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—The United States gets a grade of D when it comes to reducing the number of premature births in the country, according to a report-card-style analysis released by The March of Dimes, a nonprofit group focusing on pregnancy and baby health issues. The U.S. preterm birth rate has jumped 20% since 1990, with one in eight babies born too soon.

THE DETAILS: The group looked at the rates of preterm births in each U.S. state and compared them to The National Healthy People 2010 preterm health objective, which calls for lowering the national premature birth rate to at least 7.6%. The last available data shows the national rate is 12.7%, nowhere near the goal. The report also gave grades to individual states: Eighteen states received an F; 23 earned a D; while eight received a C grade. Vermont ranked highest with a B; see how your state ranks on the March of Dimes website. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses are both backing the March of Dimes report.

WHAT IT MEANS: It’s not clear what causes premature birth, but some studies associate early births with pesticide exposure, lack of health care, stress, obesity and standing for long periods of time at work. Children born without spending nine months in the womb have increased risks of dying in childhood, and according to a 2008 study have lower fertility rates later in life.

Here are three ways to give American babies their best chance at being born on time:

• Don’t smoke. Studies have shown women who smoke are at an increased risk of delivering early. Steer clear of secondhand smoke, too.

• Pick pesticide-free produce. Pesticide exposure has been linked to premature births, so choose organic, sustainably grown fruits and veggies. If you live in an agricultural area, try to convince local farmers that pesticides aren’t good for people or for the environment. Direct farmers in your area to Rodale Institute’s free organic transition course for details on running a successful pesticide-free farm.

• Keep your options open. Don’t let family members or doctors talk you into a C-section birth before you’ve been pregnant for 39 weeks, unless the procedure is medically necessary.

• Sign the 2008 Petition for Preemies. This March of Dimes petition will go out to state and federal politicians, including President-elect Barack Obama, urging them to improve access to health-care coverage for women of childbearing age and expand federal money for premature birth research.