Research

Premature birth is quite common, affecting over 1 in 10 babies globally, with around 15 million born too early each year, making it the leading cause of child death under five, though rates and risks vary significantly by country and demographics, with the U.S. seeing about 10% of births as preterm and higher rates among Black mothers and those over 40.  

Around 13 to 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks) worldwide each year, which is roughly 1 in 10 births, making it a major global health issue and the leading cause of death for children under five, with nearly a million deaths annually from complications. Rates haven't changed much in a decade, with the highest burdens in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, though progress in data and care is ongoing. 

In essence, preterm birth is a widespread issue, with significant health consequences, and its frequency varies greatly depending on location, race, and maternal age

• Annual Count: About 13.4 to 15 million preterm births occur yearly.
• Proportion: This accounts for approximately 1 in 10 live births globally.
• Mortality: Preterm complications cause nearly 1 million neonatal deaths annually.
• Regional Impact: Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa bear the brunt, with about 65% of global preterm births.
• No Progress: Global preterm birth rates have remained stagnant over the last decade. 
• Increase: Preterm birth rates have risen in many countries since the 1990s, linked to more multiple births (twins, etc.) and increased use of fertility treatments, notes Boston Children's Hospital and National Institutes of Health. 
• Late Preterm: Most preterm births (around 75%) are "late preterm" (34-36 weeks), though babies born extremely early (20-25 weeks) face the highest risks, says Wikipedia and BabyCenter. 

• Prevalence: About 13.4 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks) annually, representing more than 1 in 10 births worldwide. 
• Mortality: Complications from preterm birth are the #1 killer of newborns and young children globally,.

• Rate: Roughly 1 in 10 U.S. babies are born preterm, with a recent rate around 10.4%. 
• Disparities: Black infants have significantly higher preterm birth rates (around 14.7%) compared to White (9.5%) or Hispanic (10.1%) infants. 
• Age: Mothers aged 40 and older and those under 20 have higher rates of preterm births.

• Leading Cause of Death: It's the #1 killer of young children.
• Long-Term Health: Survivors face higher risks of disabilities, developmental delays, and chronic diseases.