U.S. preterm birth rate poor

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. preterm birth rates received an overall grade of "D" from a health advocacy group, officials said.

No state earned an "A" and only Vermont received a "B" on the state report cards issued by the March of Dimes, a non-profit group based in White Plains, N.Y., that aims to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Seven states improved their performance by one letter grade and two fared worse.

The Web site marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies says Ohio, Nevada and all the states in the South except for Virginia got an "F."

"Although we don't yet understand all the factors that contribute to premature birth, we do know some interventions that can help prevent it, and we must consistently make use of all of these," Jennifer Howse of the March of Dimes said in a statement.

Among the programs Howse says can help prevent premature birth include: smoking cessation, healthcare before and during pregnancy, progesterone supplementation and improved adherence to professional guidelines on fertility treatment and early Caesarean sections and inductions.