Preterm birth is the birth of an infant at least three weeks before the due date (less than 37 weeks gestation). These births are often characterized as either "very preterm" (less than 32 weeks gestation) or "moderately preterm" (32–36 weeks gestation). Preterm birth occurs more often among some racial and ethnic groups. For example, African American women have a much greater risk of delivering a preterm baby than white women. Women who have had a preterm birth and are thinking about another pregnancy should discuss this with their health care provider. Clinical research has identified treatment that may help prevent additional episodes of preterm labor and delivery.

The outcomes of preterm birth have a dramatic effect on the status of infant health in the United States. 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 2005 Period Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set ).

The reasons for preterm birth's remain unclear. CDC scientists are collaborating with many partners, including states, university researchers, and partners in health care to understand why preterm births occur and what can be done to help prevent them. Learn more about CDC preterm birth research activities.

The Contribution of Preterm Birth to Infant Mortality Rates in the United States
(Healthcare Providers and Consumers)
Dr. William Callaghan describes the findings from a CDC study that sought to understand how preterm birth contributes to infant mortality rates in the United States. This study found that preterm birth was the leading cause of all infant deaths in 2002.

Maternal and Infant Health Data and Statistics

CDC's National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhances the potential for full, productive living.   

Preterm Birth* (March of Dimes)
The March of Dimes continues its national campaign to help families and communities cope with prematurity.

First Candle*
First Candle provides support to families that have experienced the death of an infant through support groups and its hotline.

Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention*
This publication was released in July 2006, by the Institute of Medicine, as a part of the National Academy of Sciences expert committee report. It is a comprehensive review of scientific, technical, and policy issues related to preterm birth prevention in the United States.

Preterm Labor and Birth (National Institutes of Health)
This Web site from NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development provides general preterm labor information, and links to clinical trial and research.

MedlinePlus
This service from 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.

Search PubMed, for Articles on Infant Mortality
This search is being conducted on PubMed an NLM/NIH service.

Search PubMed, for Articles on Infant Health
This search is being conducted on PubMed an NLM/NIH service.

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Page last reviewed: 11/25//08
Page last modified: 11/25//08
Content source: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion