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Epidemiology of late and moderate preterm birth

Carrie K Shapiro-Mendoza1, Eve M Lackritz

  • 1Maternal and Infant Health Branch, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop K-23, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA. ayn9@cdc.gov

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|January 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth impacts 12.5% of US births, with Black infants facing higher risks. Recent increases are linked to late preterm births (34-36 weeks), highlighting associated infant morbidity and mortality risks.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal health
  • Reproductive epidemiology
  • Perinatal outcomes

Background:

  • Preterm birth affects 12.5% of US births, disproportionately impacting Black mothers.
  • The preterm birth rate has risen 33% in 25 years, primarily due to late preterm births (34-36 weeks' gestation).
  • Subtle morbidity and mortality risks in moderate (32-33 weeks) and late preterm infants are gaining attention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the epidemiology of moderate and late preterm birth.
  • To review recent trends and risk factors.
  • To highlight emerging knowledge on associated morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Epidemiological data review.
  • Analysis of recent trends in preterm birth.
  • Synthesis of current research on preterm infant outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Preterm birth rates have increased, driven by late preterm deliveries.
  • Black infants experience significantly higher preterm birth and mortality risks.
  • Moderate and late preterm births are associated with respiratory, infectious, and neurocognitive complications.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the epidemiology and risks of moderate and late preterm birth is crucial.
  • Addressing disparities in preterm birth outcomes for Black mothers is a priority.
  • Further research is needed to fully characterize and mitigate the risks of late preterm delivery.

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