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Preterm Birth Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Preterm Birth Statistics

  • Worldwide, every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation).
  • Preterm birth rates decreased from 2007 to 2014, and increased slightly from 2014-2016.
  • Preterm birth is the largest direct cause of neonatal deaths and is responsible for 35% of the world's 3.1 million neonatal deaths each year.
  • In the United States, the preterm birth rate was approximately 10.02% in 2019.
  • The African region has the highest preterm birth rates, with over 60% of preterm births occurring there and in South Asia.
  • More than 1 in 10 babies are born preterm each year in the USA.
  • Preterm birth accounts for 24% of newborn deaths in England and Wales.
  • The chance of survival at 22 weeks is close to zero, while at 23 weeks it is 15%, at 24 weeks 55% and at 25 weeks about 80%.
  • The rate of preterm birth among African-American women is about 50% higher than the rate of preterm birth among White women.
  • Late preterm infants accounted for 84% of all preterm births.
  • The overall rate of preterm birth in Australia in 2018 was 8.7%.
  • Among developed countries, the United States ranks sixth highest for preterm birth rates.
  • More than 3 in 4 infant deaths in the U.S. are due to preterm birth complications.
  • Mothers who have had a previous preterm birth are 2.2 times more likely to have a preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy.
  • In 2018, babies born preterm in South Asia were estimated to be 13.4% of all live births.
  • In Canada, the rate of preterm birth is approximately 8%.
  • In 2015, about one of every 10 infants born in the United States was premature.

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Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the world of Preterm Birth Statistics. Preterm birth, a childbirth occurring more than three weeks before the expected due date, significantly impacts future child health and development. This post will explore in-depth statistics related to preterm births, analyzing trends and factors influencing these events on both a national and international scale. We’ll be considering demographics, geographical trends, health implications, economic impacts along with assessment of preventive strategies. These statistics not only underscore the importance of early pre- and post-natal care but also the necessity for targeted medical intervention to reduce the rate of preterm births and the resultant health complications.

The Latest Preterm Birth Statistics Unveiled

Worldwide, every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 completed weeks of gestation).

The startling statistic, revealing the annual occurrence of approximately 15 million preterm births globally, serves as a sobering spotlight on a pressing worldwide health concern. Featured in a blog post on preterm birth statistics, it underscores the far-reaching scope of this health issue cutting across geographic, cultural, and economic borders. Absorbing this figure, readers are impelled to recognize the urgency and importance of increasing research, advancing medical care, and implementing preventative strategies to improve maternal health and subsequently reduce the rate of preterm births.

Preterm birth rates decreased from 2007 to 2014, and increased slightly from 2014-2016.

Within the intricate tapestry of preterm birth statistics studied in our blog post, the trend of premature birth rates from 2007 to 2016 paints a captivating narrative. It illustrates an encouraging downturn in preterm births from 2007 to 2014. This period exudes hope and showcases the potential effectiveness of improved prenatal care strategies or advancements in medical technology. However, the slight but vital uptick in the rate from 2014-2016 injects a sobering element into the tale. It suggests that victory cannot be declared yet, as it underscores the need for continued vigilance, research, and improvements in public health policies to combat the potentially serious consequences of premature births. This statistical evolution offers not just raw data, but a story of victories, challenges, and a call to action.

Preterm birth is the largest direct cause of neonatal deaths and is responsible for 35% of the world’s 3.1 million neonatal deaths each year.

Turning the spotlight on the stark figure that positions preterm birth as the leading direct cause of neonatal mortality is a sobering reflection on the significant global health challenge we’re confronted with. With preterm births accounting for a staggering 35% of the world’s annual figure of 3.1 million neonatal deaths, it underlines the urgent need for increased preventive measures, research, medical interventions, and health policies to tackle and alleviate this monumental concern. This statistic is a clarion call to action in the face of a critical health issue that we must collectively address in the communal blog post on Preterm Birth Statistics.

In the United States, the preterm birth rate was approximately 10.02% in 2019.

Highlighting the figure of 10.02% preterm birth rate in the United States for 2019 provides a critical marker in the overall discussion of preterm birth statistics. This snapshot of a specific year gives us a sense of the prevalence and relevance of this issue. It draws attention to the health and welfare of both mothers and infants, underlining the importance of ongoing research, policy development, and clinical practice improvements, aimed at reducing this rate. The figure also presents a benchmark against which we can measure the effectiveness of interventions, assess national health progress over time, and compare the US’s situation with other countries worldwide.

The African region has the highest preterm birth rates, with over 60% of preterm births occurring there and in South Asia.

Foregrounding the geo-health disparity narrative, the striking proportion of over 60% of preterm births situated within the African region and South Asia underscores the urgency to cognize, address, and bridge this regional health gap. In the canvas of our discussion on preterm birth statistics, this data point commands significant attention, underscoring the geopolitical and socio-economic factors intertwined with healthcare. The gravitas of this statistic lies in its potential to ignite global dialogues regarding regional healthcare inequities, inform targeted initiatives, and aid in the formulation of bespoke interventions, thereby spotlighting a critical area in need of concerted global healthcare efforts.

More than 1 in 10 babies are born preterm each year in the USA.

Highlighting that more than 1 in 10 babies are born preterm each year in the USA provides readers with striking insight into the prevalence of this issue at a national level. In the context of a blog post about Preterm Birth Statistics, this fact serves as a compelling anchor around which to frame the discussion. It underscores the seriousness of the subject while drawing attention to the scale of the phenomenon, thereby encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the subsequent information about the factors driving this trend, its impacts, and initiatives aimed at prevention. This statistic vividly illustrates the magnitude of the challenge, making it unmistakably clear that premature birth is not an isolated issue, but a widespread one requiring urgent attention.

Preterm birth accounts for 24% of newborn deaths in England and Wales.

In the anthology of preterm birth narratives, the statistic of ‘Preterm birth accounting for 24% of newborn deaths in England and Wales’ holds a poignant weight. Impacting nearly a quarter of newborn fatalities, it foregrounds the urgent need for advanced healthcare strategies and prevention methods to combat this critical contributor to neonatal mortality. From medical practitioners to expectant parents and policymakers, this statistic prompts a renewed focus on reducing preterm birth incidents, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive health policies, improved prenatal care and advanced research in this domain.

The chance of survival at 22 weeks is close to zero, while at 23 weeks it is 15%, at 24 weeks 55% and at 25 weeks about 80%.

In the blog post surrounding preterm birth statistics, this intriguing data “Life begins in a narrow scope of possibilities: almost none at 22 weeks, a breakthrough at 23 weeks with survival hitting 15%, then leaping to 55% at 24 weeks and an encouraging 80% at 25 weeks” offers a compelling narrative about the delicate dance of life in its initial stages. An infant’s early arrival may result in a desperate beating of slim odds, and these survival rates represent more than mere numbers; they are sentences yet unwritten in the biography of human life. This statistical patterns not only underscore the accelerated developmental pace in the early stages of life, but also reinforces the crucial role of quality prenatal care in increasing infants’ chances of survival.

The rate of preterm birth among African-American women is about 50% higher than the rate of preterm birth among White women.

Juxtaposing the higher incidence of preterm birth among African-American women to their White counterparts creates a compelling narrative in our blog post illuminating Preterm Birth Statistics. Focus on this statistic enkindles discussion around racial disparities in health care, potential environmental and socioeconomic factors, and the urgent necessity for targeted interventions. The 50% higher rate sends an unequivocal message about the urgency to understand and address the drivers behind this disparity, thereby raising awareness among healthcare professionals and policy makers to implement policies that mitigate and eventually eviscerate this racial health disparity.

Late preterm infants accounted for 84% of all preterm births.

Highlighting that a staggering 84% of all preterm births are late preterm infants underlines a significant aspect of preterm birth dynamics. It serves as a crucial wakeup call for healthcare providers, infant care specialists, and researchers alike, directing attention towards late preterm babies. Not only does this statistic shed light on a substantial subgroup within preterm births, it also indicates the need for targeted studies, specialized healthcare protocols, and bespoke preventive measures to better understand and address the unique needs and potential vulnerabilities of late preterm infants. This further underscores the essence of nuanced data analysis in the complex narrative of preterm birth statistics.

The overall rate of preterm birth in Australia in 2018 was 8.7%.

Shining a spotlight on the figure of 8.7%, the percentage of preterm births in Australia for 2018, fuels a much deeper conversation about neonatal care and health policies. Such a significant statistic serves as a crucial benchmark in our understanding of preterm birth trends, helping healthcare professionals strategize preventative measures and treatments more effectively. In the context of a blog post focused on Preterm Birth Statistics, this piece of data lays the foundation for comparing Australia’s rate to other countries, years, or demographic groups – essentially, it’s a key starting point from which we can journey deeper into the complex web of preterm births, enabling us to better comprehend and address the issues surrounding them.

Among developed countries, the United States ranks sixth highest for preterm birth rates.

Highlighting the placement of the United States, as the sixth highest in preterm birth rates among developed countries, casts a compelling pretext in the discussion on Preterm Birth Statistics. This is not merely a number, but a crucial indicator of health infrastructure, maternal care, social determinants of health, and childbirth practices prevalent in a country seen globally as a leader. Particularly within the context of developed nations, where healthcare resources are expected to be superior, this statistic underscores the urgency to address perinatal healthcare disparities. It challenges readers to question why a resource-rich country like the U.S. has such a high rate and to explore solutions while shedding light on the broader global issue of preterm birth.

More than 3 in 4 infant deaths in the U.S. are due to preterm birth complications.

Highlighting the statistic that over 75% of infant fatalities in the U.S. are due to preterm birth complications is pivotal in the backdrop of a blog post about Preterm Birth Statistics. It sends a resounding alarm about the dire consequences of prematurity, underscoring the urgent need for advanced research, preventative strategies, improved prenatal care, and boosted healthcare measures. Against the backdrop of this staggering statistic, the importance of early detection, frequent check-ups, and suitable care interventions crystalize more than ever to curtail this grave public health issue.

Mothers who have had a previous preterm birth are 2.2 times more likely to have a preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy.

Highlighting that mothers with a history of preterm birth are 2.2 times more likely to experience another, the statistic takes on the role of an imperative harbinger. It underscores the necessity of proactive healthcare and intense monitoring for such expectant mothers, enhancing preventive measures within the healthcare system. By unravelling this elevated risk, the statistic simultaneously establishes a relationship in preterm birth patterns, this paves way for further scientific exploration in prenatal care. Wrapped up in these figures is the persuasive call for individualized attention and antenatal strategies, potentially saving lives and mitigating difficulties associated with premature births.

In 2018, babies born preterm in South Asia were estimated to be 13.4% of all live births.

Highlighting the striking figure that in 2018, an estimated 13.4% of all live births in South Asia were preterm, underscores the severe prevalence of the situation in this particular region. In the context of a blog post about preterm birth statistics, this number paints a worrisome picture, providing readers with a direct insight into the gravity of the problem at hand. More so, it helps contextualize the preterm birth challenge in South Asia, prompting deeper reflections on the urgency to develop and implement effective health policies and programs aimed at curtailing this prevalent issue.

In Canada, the rate of preterm birth is approximately 8%.

Highlighting the figure ‘In Canada, the rate of preterm birth is approximately 8%,’ is pivotal in shaping the perspective of our discussion on Preterm Birth Statistics. It provides a concise snapshot of the specific prevalence of premature births in Canada, underscoring the scope of this health concern. This figure enlightens readers about the national situation, serving as a benchmark for international comparisons, an evaluation metric for maternal and child health programs, and ultimately a catalyst for solutions aimed at reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.

In 2015, about one of every 10 infants born in the United States was premature.

Highlighting the striking ratio ‘one in every 10 infants born in the United States was premature’ as of 2015 throws a spotlight on the significant prevalence of preterm births in the country. It underpins the gravity of the situation, vitalizing the need for strategic interventions and research advancements to mitigate the potentially perilous health implications associated with preterm birth. Moreover, it offers a critical foundation for readers to comprehend the intensity of the challenge, underscoring the magnitude of urgency and efforts required to safeguard infant health and ensure better birth outcomes.

Conclusion

Preterm birth statistics provide essential insights into a significant health concern globally. Despite advances in prenatal care, preterm births persist in both developed and developing countries. From our analysis, key factors influencing preterm birth rates include maternal health, access to quality healthcare, demographics, and lifestyle factors. The extent of this issue underscores the need for continuous research, targeted interventions, and policies aimed at reducing preterm births and improving neonatal outcomes. The statistical data not only aid in policy formulation, but also increase public awareness about the potential risks and preventative measures associated with preterm births.

References

0. – https://www.www.ons.gov.uk

1. – https://www.www.marchofdimes.org

2. – https://www.www.researchgate.net

3. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

4. – https://www.www.canada.ca

5. – https://www.www.cdc.gov

6. – https://www.www.aihw.gov.au

7. – https://www.www.who.int

8. – https://www.www.statista.com

FAQs

What is a preterm birth?

A preterm birth is a birth that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy. Typically, pregnancies usually last about 40 weeks.

How common is preterm birth?

Preterm birth affects about 1 in 10 infants born in the United States. The rates can vary in different countries and among different populations within a country.

What are the major risk factors for preterm birth?

Major risk factors for preterm birth include having a previous preterm birth, being pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc), and certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and infections.

What are the possible complications for a baby born preterm?

Babies born preterm might have various health complications as their organs are usually not fully developed. They can face long-term intellectual and developmental disabilities. Also, they are at higher risk for infant death and breathing issues.

How can preterm births be prevented?

Some ways to prevent preterm births include good prenatal care, including taking prenatal vitamins and regular medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding alcohol, drugs and tobacco, managing chronic conditions, and receiving appropriate vaccinations.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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