Maternal and Infant Health Research: Preterm Birth |
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More than a half million babies in the
United States—that's 1 in every 8—are born premature each year.
Learn more about
prematurity |
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.
CDC's Division of Reproductive Health
(DRH): Research in Maternal and Infant Health
This site describes DRH’s maternal and infant health research and
surveillance activities.
CDC's Division of Reproductive Health: Publications about Maternal and Infant
Health
This site provides a listing of DRH publications about maternal and infant health.
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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Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
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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 |