Preterm birth is defined as the birth of an infant before 37 completed weeks of gestation (at least 3 weeks before the “due date”). These births are often characterized as either “very preterm” (less than 32 weeks gestation) or “moderately preterm” (32–36 weeks gestation). The outcomes of preterm birth have a dramatic effect on the status of infant health in the United States. A recent review of preterm birth by the Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences, resulted in publication of Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention.* The report by this distinguished committee framed the challenge of preventing preterm births. Being born preterm is the greatest risk factor for infant mortality (death within the first year of life). Recent analyses of infant death data by CDC researchers demonstrate that preterm-related deaths accounted for more than 1/3 of all deaths during the first year of life, and more infants died from preterm causes than from any other cause. (Infant Mortality Statistics from the 2004 Period Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set ). There are significant racial disparities in preterm birth. African American women have a greater risk of delivering a preterm infant compared to white women. Women who have experienced one premature birth and are contemplating another pregnancy should discuss this with their physicians. Research from clinical trials has shown promise for useing of a compound containing progesterone to help women prevent additional episodes of preterm labor and delivery. The reasons for premature births, including preterm labor and delivery,
remain unclear. CDC scientists and their partners are collaborating with
states, university researchers, and partners in health care to understand
why preterm births occur, and what can be done to prevent prematurity.
More than a half million babies in the United States—that's 1 in every 8—are born premature each year. Some babies are so small they could fit in the palm of your hand CDC Preterm Research Infant Health Data and Statistics
Pregnancy
CDC's National Center for
Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Preterm Labor and Birth (National Institutes of Health) The National Library of Medicine (NLM) provides information for health care consumers on preterm births and related topics in maternal and child health. The NLM Library recently released Go Local for obtaining information on health care services in states and counties throughout the nation.
Preterm Birth* (March of Dimes) First Candle* provides support to families that have experienced the death of an infant through support groups and its hotline. Recommendations for Preconception Care Source: MMWR 2006;55(RR06):1–23.
Association of State Maternal and
Child Health Programs (AMCHP)* CityMatch* Maternal Child Health Library at Georgetown University*
Search PubMed for Articles on Infant Mortality
Search PubMed for Articles on Infant Health
Page last reviewed:
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