November is Prematurity Awareness Month

In 2019, 1 in 10 babies were born too early in the United States.¹

The preterm birth rate rose for the fifth year in a row in 2019. Some signs and symptoms of preterm labor include¹:

• Contractions
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pressure
• Low, dull backache
• Additional cramps with or without diarrhea

In 2018, the fertility rate was highest for Hispanic women (65.9), followed by non-Hispanic black (62.0) and non-Hispanic white (56.3) women.²

In 2018, preterm birth and low birth weight accounted for about 17% of infant deaths (deaths before 1 year of age). Babies who survive may have³:

• Breathing problems
• Feeding difficulties
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delays
• Vision problems
• Hearing problems

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References

1. Premature Birth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Reviewed October 30, 2020. Accessed November 2, 2020.
2. Martin J, Hamilton, BE, Osterman M. National Center for Health Statistics. Data Brief No. 346, July 2019. Accessed November 2, 2020.
3. Preterm Birth. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Reviewed October 30, 2020. Accessed November 2, 2020.