Premature birth is one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely each year worldwide, accounting for about 11% of all live births (WHO, 2020). The incidence of preterm birth varies significantly across countries, with low- and middle-income nations typically experiencing higher rates.

In countries with limited access to quality healthcare, the risk of premature birth increases due to factors such as malnutrition, lack of prenatal care, and inadequate maternal healthcare services. In contrast, higher-income countries often report lower rates of preterm births, though the numbers are still alarmingly high. For instance, in Europe, preterm birth rates range from 6% to 10%, while in Africa, the rate can exceed 15% (Blencowe et al., 2019). This disparity highlights the urgent need for global improvements in maternal health and healthcare access.

Premature infants face a variety of challenges. They are at higher risk for complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and long-term developmental delays. As a result, premature birth contributes to the significant burden of neonatal mortality worldwide. However, advances in neonatal care, including improved ventilators and incubators, have significantly increased survival rates for preterm infants, particularly in high-resource settings.

In the United States, premature birth continues to be a major public health concern. According to the March of Dimes, in 2020, about 1 in 10 babies were born prematurely (March of Dimes, 2023). While the U.S. has made substantial progress in reducing preterm birth rates in recent years, the overall rate has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 9% and 10% over the past decade.

The causes of premature birth in the U.S. are multifaceted. Maternal age, race, and socio-economic status all play a significant role. For example, African American women have a preterm birth rate that is about 50% higher than that of white women, with various factors such as chronic stress, limited access to healthcare, and systemic inequalities contributing to this disparity (Bryant et al., 2019). Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and inadequate prenatal care further increase the likelihood of preterm birth.

The U.S. government and nonprofit organizations like the March of Dimes have focused on reducing the rate of preterm birth through awareness campaigns, improved prenatal care programs, and funding for research into the causes and prevention of prematurity. Despite these efforts, the U.S. continues to grapple with the high costs associated with preterm birth, both in terms of healthcare spending and long-term developmental care for affected infants.

Premature birth can result from a variety of factors, many of which are not entirely understood. Some of the known risk factors include:

• Multiple pregnancies: Women carrying twins or higher-order multiples are at increased risk for preterm birth.
• Infections and inflammation: Certain infections during pregnancy can trigger early labor.
• Chronic health conditions: Women with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders are at higher risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, drug use, and poor nutrition can contribute to preterm birth.
• Previous preterm birth: Women who have had a preterm birth in the past are more likely to experience another.

Efforts to prevent preterm birth are focused on improving prenatal care, managing chronic health conditions, and providing education to expectant mothers about healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, advances in medicine, such as the use of progesterone supplements to prevent early labor, have shown promise in reducing the incidence of preterm birth.

Prematurity Awareness Month is a crucial time to inform the public about the challenges faced by premature infants and their families. Through education and advocacy, organizations aim to highlight the need for increased funding for research, better prenatal care, and improved healthcare policies. Raising awareness also provides an opportunity for families who have experienced a premature birth to share their stories and support one another in their journeys.

For individuals affected by preterm birth, sharing stories of survival and resilience can be a powerful way to inspire hope and encourage others to seek help when needed. The emotional and financial challenges associated with a preterm birth are immense, but so too is the strength that parents and caregivers demonstrate in caring for their babies.

As we observe Prematurity Awareness Month this November, it is important to remember the global and national efforts being made to reduce preterm birth rates and improve outcomes for premature infants. With ongoing advancements in healthcare, particularly in neonatal care, the survival rate of preterm babies continues to improve. However, there is still much work to be done.

We encourage employees, families, and individuals to share their personal stories, provide testimonials, or connect with local organizations that support premature infants and their families. Your story could provide hope to others and help drive change in the fight against premature birth. Together, we can raise awareness, advocate for better healthcare, and support those affected by prematurity.

Blencowe, H., Cousens, S., Chou, D., Oestergaard, M. Z., Say, L., Moller, A. B., & Lawn, J. E. (2019). Born too soon: The global epidemiology of 15 million preterm births. Reproductive Health, 16(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-019-0778-9

Bryant, A. S., Spencer, J. B., & Duffy, J. Y. (2019). Racial disparities in preterm birth in the United States. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 220(6), 612-621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2019.01.218

March of Dimes. (2023). Preterm birth in the United States. https://www.marchofdimes.org/what-we-do/research/premature-birth

World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Preterm birth. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth