Health
Premature birth rate on the rise
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 23, 2004
The March of Dimes expressed alarm this month after a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted a 14% increase in premature births since 1990 and a 29% increase since 1981. Much of the jump was related to the growing number of multiple births, although the preterm rate for single births also rose 7%.
"Premature birth is now the most common, serious and costly infant health problem facing our nation," said Jennifer L. Howse, PhD, president of the organization.
The report, "Births: Final Data for 2002," published in December 2003, found that the increase was mainly for infants born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. The rate for infants born before 32 weeks has not changed. Mothers younger than 15 and older than 45 were most likely to give birth early, as were African-Americans.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/02/23/hlbf0223.htm.
