U.S. preterm births show slight decline

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 19 (UPI) -- The preterm birth rate declined for U.S. babies born at 34-36 weeks gestation -- late preterm -- a government report said.

The rate of preterm births -- less than 37 weeks gestation -- dropped to 12.7 percent from 12.8 percent in 2006, a small but statistically significant decrease, preliminary birth data for 2007 released by the National Center for Health Statistics said.

The preterm birth rate has increased by 36 percent since the 1980s. Despite the decline in the 2007 preterm birth rate, the number of babies born too soon continues to top more than 540,000 each year, Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, said.

"We're encouraged by this drop in the preterm birth rate, and hope that the emphasis we've put on the problem of late preterm birth is beginning to make a difference," Howse said in a statement.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn death and babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifetime health challenges, such as breathing problems and mental retardation. Babies born just a few weeks too soon -- 34-36 weeks gestation also known as late preterm birth -- have higher rates of death and disability than full-term babies.