Why Is This Important?

Prematurity increases the risk for infant morbidity and mortality. Infants born preterm are at greater risk of dying in the first month of life. Preterm infants may require intensive care at birth and are at higher risk of developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses throughout life. They are more likely to require special education services. Health care costs and length of hospital stay are higher for preterm infants. The more preterm an infant is born, the more severe the health problems are likely to be.

Definition

Percent of live births before 32 weeks of gestation based on obstetric estimate Preterm is synonymous with premature. Infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm and those born before 32 weeks of pregnancy are considered very preterm. Infants born at or after 37 weeks of pregnancy are called full term. Most pregnancies last around 40 weeks.

Data Notes

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of live births before 32 weeks of gestation based on obstetric estimate

• Denominator:

  Total number of live births

Related Health Objectives and Indicators

Related Risk Factors Indicators:

• Multiple Births
• Tobacco Use During Pregnancy

Related Health Status Outcomes Indicators:

• Infant Mortality
• Neonatal Mortality
• Perinatal Mortality
• Low Birth Weight
• Preterm Births
• Very Low Birth Weight

Health Topic Pages Related to: Very Preterm Births

• Births: Maternal, Pregnancy, and Delivery Characteristics