November is Prematurity Awareness Month
November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Here are a few quick facts.
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
- 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.
- Martin J, Hamilton, BE, Osterman M. National Center for Health Statistics. Data Brief No. 346, July 2019. Accessed November 2, 2020.
- 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.