Premature birth rate at all-time high: Report

Becker's Healthcare November 14, 2024
Mariah Taylor

The U.S. has received a “D+” for preterm birth rates for the third year in a row, with no substantial change in those rates, according to a Nov. 14 March of Dimes report.

Preterm babies are those born at 37 weeks’ gestation or earlier; these children have a higher risk for physical and intellectual disabilities. Last year, 370,000 babies were preemies.

Here are five things to know:

1. In 2023, the preterm birth rate was 10.4%, remaining at a historical high. In 2013, it was 9.8%.

2. One-third of the country’s largest cities received an “F” grade for preterm birth rates.

3. External factors may contribute to the elevated preterm birth rates....