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Increasing rates of prematurity and epidemiology of late preterm birth

Jeanie L Y Cheong1, Lex W Doyle

  • 1Neonatal Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. cheong@thewomens.org.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|September 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm births (34-36 weeks) are rising in Australia, posing significant health and educational challenges. Further research is crucial to understand risks and developmental deficits in these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Neonatalogy
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth rates in Australia have increased over the past two decades.
  • Late preterm births (34-36 weeks gestation) account for 70% of all preterm births, totaling approximately 16,000 annually.
  • Potential contributing factors include increasing maternal age, assisted reproductive technologies, and multiple births.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the rising trend of late preterm births in Australia.
  • To underscore the associated health and developmental risks for affected children.
  • To emphasize the need for further research into risk factors and developmental deficits.

Main Methods:

  • This study is an observational analysis of preterm birth trends.
  • Data analysis focuses on the incidence and implications of late preterm births.
  • Literature review on potential aetiologies and long-term outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Late preterm births represent a significant and growing proportion of preterm births in Australia.
  • Children born late preterm face increased mortality, morbidity (e.g., respiratory difficulties), and long-term developmental issues.
  • The public health and educational impact is substantial.

Conclusions:

  • The rise in late preterm births presents a considerable public health concern.
  • Understanding risk factors is essential for early identification and intervention.
  • Further research is imperative to mitigate the long-term consequences for affected children.

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