How common is premature birth?
More than 10 in 100 babies in the United States are born early (before 37 weeks).1
This rate is rising, and is highest in African-American women.2 3 In 2005 nearly 13 in 100 babies born in the US were early.4
Sources for the information on this page:
- Tucker J, McGuire W. Epidemiology of preterm birth. BMJ. 2004; 329: 675-678. 15374920
- MacDorman MF, Minino AM, Strobino DM, et al. Annual summary of vital statistics: 2001. Pediatrics. 2002; 110: 1037-1052. 12456898
- Goldenberg RL, Rouse DJ. Prevention of premature birth. New England Journal of Medicine. 1998; 339: 313-320. 9682045
- Hamilton BE, Martin JA, Ventura SJ. Births: Preliminary data for 2005. National Vital Statistics Report. 2006; 28: 1-18.
This information was last updated in Jun 09, 2008
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
