Mortality rates for preterm babies drops

Via @MarchofDimesGA-- Georgia and 34 other states have seen a two-year decline in preterm birth rates. The National Center for Health Statistics report found that, between 2006 and 2008, the preterm birth rate declined five percent among both non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black mothers. Mothers of Hispanic descent also experienced a decline. You can find more information about the federal report here.

Three groups of women are at greatest risk for premature birth: women who have had a previous premature birth, women who are pregnant with twins, triplets or more, and women with certain uterine or cervical abnormalities.

A number of complications are more likely in premature babies including respiratory distress syndrome, anemia, apnea, or chronic lung disease.

There are several things that women can do to reduce the risk of a premature birth.  You can find more information here.