Why is premature birth a major health concern

Advances in neonatal care and treatments for preterm babies have greatly increased the chances for survival of even the smallest babies. But survival is not the only outcome measure. Babies born before 37 weeks are still vulnerable to increased risk for death and to many short- and long-term effects of premature birth. All babies born preterm are at risk for serious health problems. Even babies born only four to six weeks early can have effects from the preterm birth such as breathing difficulties, feeding problems, jaundice and effects on brain functions.

Call or visit our website or the following sites: www. The primary goal of the initiative is a 15 percent reduction in the rate of "preventable" single preterm births - particularly babies born late preterm four to six weeks early - in three targeted intervention sites in Kentucky: King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Trover Health System Regional Medical Center of Hopkins County and the University of Kentucky Albert B.

Chandler Hospital in Lexington. However, pregnant women can take important steps to help reduce their risk of preterm birth and improve their general health. These steps are to—. Another step women and their partners can take to reduce the risk of preterm birth is waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies external icon.

Women who conceive through ART are at higher risk for preterm birth, primarily because they are more likely to be pregnant with more than one baby at a time. Important growth and development occur throughout pregnancy—all the way through the final few weeks. Unless there is a medical need, delivery should not be scheduled before 39 weeks of pregnancy. CDC scientists are collaborating with many partners, including state health departments, university researchers, and other health care professionals to understand why preterm births occur and what can be done to help prevent them.

Read about our preterm birth activities. The November session, Public Health Strategies to Prevent Preterm Birth, discusses how concerted efforts to improve surveillance data, better medical care and prevention, and stronger public health partnerships, can accelerate progress in reducing preterm births and improving neonatal outcomes. View the archived presentation and publication.

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