High cost of Premature Birth

Fort Wayne, Ind. (WANE) - One in eight births are premature in Indiana and nationwide according to the March of Dimes, and the rate of premature birth has increased over 23% from 1996 to 2006.  Because babies who are born pre-term (before 37 weeks) are not finished developing physically they are prone to long term health problems as well as short term "hospital charges . . . (that) average $75,000" per infant.  In addition to the emotional and financial costs to families, costs associated with preterm birth are passed on to businesses through employer health plans, and abesenteeism.

Earlier this year, the March of Dimes released new findings that show the "nation's preterm birth rate declined slightly in 2007" for "babies born at 34 to 36 weeks gestation (late preterm) and among babies born to  African American and white women".  Even so over "540,000 infants are born too soon" each year and so March of Dimes wishes to spread their message that all babies should be given their nine months by announcing that November is Prematurity Awareness Month.

For more information about the risks of preterm birth and research findings from the March of Dimes, you can visit their website via our link or call the NE Indiana Division of the March of Dimes at 260-482-4201.

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2001 Nationwide Impatient Sample.  Prepared by the March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center, 2003.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2006 final and 2007 preliminary data.  Prepared by March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center, March 2009.