Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
CIHI survey: Hospital costs for preterm and small-for-gestational age babies in Canada
Gillian Lim1, Jacinth Tracey, Nicole Boom
1Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).
Insights
In Canada, over 54,000 babies born in 2006-2007 were preterm or small for gestational age (SGA). Lower birth weight and gestational age significantly increase infant hospital costs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Healthcare Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Over 54,000 Canadian infants (1 in 7) were born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) in 2006-2007.
- Preterm and SGA infants face higher risks of morbidity and mortality compared to full-term, normal-weight infants.
- These vulnerable infants represent a disproportionately high percentage of overall newborn healthcare expenditures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze hospital costs associated with low birth weight, preterm, and SGA infants in Canada.
- To highlight key findings from the Canadian Institute for Health Information report, "Too Early, Too Small: A Profile of Small Babies across Canada."
- To inform neonatal and obstetrical health planning and decision-making through cost analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hospital cost data for infants born in Canada during 2006-2007.
- Examination of the relationship between birth weight, gestational age, and in-hospital costs.
- Comparison of hospital costs between multiple-birth and singleton infants.
Main Results:
- Birth weight and gestational age are critical determinants of hospital costs; lower values correlate with increased average costs.
- Infants born preterm or with low birth weight incurred higher in-hospital costs.
- Multiple-birth infants exhibited higher hospital costs compared to singleton infants.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age and birth weight are significant factors influencing neonatal healthcare costs.
- Targeted interventions and resource allocation for preterm and SGA infants are crucial for managing healthcare spending.
- Understanding cost drivers is essential for effective planning in neonatal and obstetrical care.
Abstract:
In 2006-2007, more than 54,000 (or one in seven) babies across Canada were born preterm or small for their gestational age (SGA). These babies are often at higher risk for morbidity and mortality than are full-term babies with normal birth weight, and account for a disproportionately high percentage of healthcare costs among newborns. This article highlights key findings from a recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Too Early, Too Small: A Profile of Small Babies across Canada, and provides information on the hospital costs among low birth weight, preterm and SGA babies. Birth weight and gestational age were found to be important determinants of hospital costs - as birth weight and gestational age decreased, average in-hospital costs increased. Furthermore, multiple-birth babies had higher hospital costs than did singleton babies. As in other areas of the health system, information relating to costs and spending can inform neonatal and obstetrical health planning and decision-making.
