{"id":325,"date":"2025-11-26T23:15:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T23:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/?page_id=325"},"modified":"2025-12-05T13:57:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T18:57:13","slug":"interactive-project","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/other-projects\/interactive-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Premature Birth: What the Data Reveals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By Dylen Foster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Premature birth affects every 1 in 10 babies in the United States and globally.<sup>1<\/sup> However, the risks and survival odds are not the same everywhere. This article examines the variation in access to prenatal care and healthcare policies across countries and states, as well as the impact of racial and socioeconomic factors on infant and maternal survival outcomes.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Premature Birth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The World Health Organization defines prematurity as \u201cbabies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed.&#8221;<sup>1<\/sup> This is further divided into subcategories based on gestational age, or the duration of a pregnancy: extremely preterm babies (less than 28 weeks), very preterm babies (28 to less than 32 weeks), and moderate to late preterm babies (born 32 to 37 weeks).<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, there were 373,902 preterm births nationally in 2023, accounting for 10.4% of live births.<sup>2<\/sup> Twenty-two states reported having higher rates than the national percentage, while nineteen states had \u201cmet the Healthy People 2030 preterm rate\u201d goal of reducing preterm birth to 9.4%.<sup>2<\/sup> According to the CDC\u2019s National Center for Health Statistics, the percentage of infants in the United States admitted to the NICU has also increased, rising from 8.7% of U.S. infants in 2016 to 9.8% in 2023, highlighting the growing number of babies requiring specialized care.<sup>3<\/sup> Preterm birth is the second leading cause of death for infants after birth defects.<sup>2<\/sup> Preterm birth can lead to \u201cdevelopmental delays, chronic respiratory problems and vision and hearing impairment\u201d, impacting families financially and emotionally.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Causes and Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the March of Dimes, preterm birth can \u201cbe triggered by multiple, interacting biologic and environmental factors,\u201d and a history of \u201cpreterm birth, multiple gestations, and certain uterine and\/or cervical problems\u201d increases the risk of premature birth.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/26645026\/embed#?secret=38m9K4CNb2\" data-secret=\"38m9K4CNb2\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">State-by-State Disparities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The March of Dimes, the leading organization advocating for the improvement of infant and maternal health, gave the United States an overall \u201cD+\u201d grade on its 2025 report card.<sup>4<\/sup> The report card grading scale takes into account state data on preterm birth, infant mortality, causes of infant death, and maternal health. The scale also considers factors such as maternal race and insurance type to \u201cunderscore how systemic inequities continue to shape health outcomes.&#8221;<sup>4<\/sup> Finally, the report card \u201cexamines supportive policies and programs that are essential for advancing equity in maternal and infant health.&#8221;<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/26642926\/embed#?secret=H6iS7WlQV3\" data-secret=\"H6iS7WlQV3\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High-Risk States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>High-risk states have a grade of a &#8220;D&#8221; or &#8220;F&#8221; and include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Mississippi <strong>Grade:<\/strong> F <strong>Birth Rate:<\/strong> 15.0%<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Louisiana <strong>Grade:<\/strong> F <strong>Birth Rate:<\/strong> 14.0%<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>West Virginia <strong>Grade:<\/strong> F <strong>Birth Rate:<\/strong> 13.4%<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Louisiana and Mississippi also have high rates of infant mortality: 7.1 deaths and 8.9 deaths per 1,000 births, respectively.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/26646011\/embed#?secret=yujBEtDvjF\" data-secret=\"yujBEtDvjF\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Low-Risk States<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Low-risk states have a grade of \u201cA\u201d or \u201cB\u201d and include<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>New Hampshire <strong>Grade:<\/strong> A- <strong>Birth Rate:<\/strong> 7.9%<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vermont <strong>Grade:<\/strong> B+ <strong>Birth Rate<\/strong>: 8.2%<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oregon <strong>Grade:<\/strong> B <strong>Birth Rate:<\/strong> 8.9%<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire and Vermont also have low rates of infant mortality: 2.9 deaths and 3.2 deaths per 1,000 births, respectively.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/26646143\/embed#?secret=xEIM3cnY8R\" data-secret=\"xEIM3cnY8R\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Internationally, preterm birth \u201cis the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years.&#8221;<sup>1<\/sup> In low-income areas, babies die due to a lack of \u201ccost-effective care such as warmth, breastfeeding support and basic care for infections and breathing difficulties.&#8221;<sup>1<\/sup> In contrast, in higher-income countries, those babies are more likely to survive.<sup>1<\/sup> Countries such as India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and China make up 45% of preterm births.<sup>6<\/sup> Also at risk are countries affected by humanitarian crises such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.<sup>6<\/sup> The crises in these areas make \u201caccess to preventative and curative care for preterm babies \u2026 extremely challenging.&#8221;<sup>6<\/sup> These global disparities highlight the urgent need for accessible neonatal care and effective interventions worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/26644465\/embed#?secret=midqLr0kTW\" data-secret=\"midqLr0kTW\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"700\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Programs That Make a Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">March of Dimes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A nonprofit organization in the United States focused on improving the health of mothers and babies. The organization focuses on preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality through research, education, and community programs.<sup>9<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The PREEMIE Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The PREEMIE Act, first passed in 2006, aims to reduce preterm births and their consequences.<sup>7<\/sup> While the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023 was not reauthorized, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a top priority for organizations involved in maternal and infant health. The Reauthorization Act of 2025 was &#8220;introduced by Sen. Bennet (D-CO), Sen. Boozman (R-AR) in the Senate on May 1, 2025, and by Rep. Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Rep. Fletcher (D-TX), Rep. Carter (R-GA), Rep. Brown (D-OH), and Rep. Kiggans (R-VA)&#8221; on February 11, 2025, in the House of Representatives.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Known as GAPPS, the organization aims to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes by addressing preterm birth and stillbirth by focusing on accelerating research, increasing awareness, and advocating for evidence-based interventions.<sup>8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cPreterm Birth.\u201d World Health Organization, www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/preterm-birth. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>March of Dimes. \u201cA Profile of Prematurity of United States.\u201d March of Dimes | PeriStats, www.marchofdimes.org\/peristats\/reports\/united-states\/prematurity-profile. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cProducts &#8211; Data Briefs &#8211; Number 525 &#8211; March 2025.\u201d Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Mar. 2025, www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/products\/databriefs\/db525.htm. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>March of Dimes. \u201c2025 March of Dimes Report Card for United States.\u201d March of Dimes | PeriStats, www.marchofdimes.org\/peristats\/reports\/united-states\/report-card. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cPreterm Labor and Preterm Birth: Are You at Risk?\u201d March of Dimes, www.marchofdimes.org\/find-support\/topics\/birth\/preterm-labor-and-preterm-birth-are-you-risk. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWhy Premature Babies\u2019 Survival Often Depends on Where They Were Born.\u201d Doctors Without Borders &#8211; USA, www.doctorswithoutborders.org\/latest\/why-premature-babies-survival-often-depends-where-they-were-born#:~:text=Where%20is%20prematurity%20most%20common,babies%20can%20be%20extremely%20challenging. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cPreemie Reauthorization Act.\u201d March of Dimes, 14 Nov. 2022, www.marchofdimes.org\/our-work\/policy-advocacy\/federal-advocacy\/preemie-act. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gapps. \u201cMission Vision &amp; Values.\u201d GAPPS, www.gapps.org\/Home\/MissionVisionValues. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cOur Mission.\u201d March of Dimes, 27 Sept. 2022, www.marchofdimes.org\/about-us\/mission. Accessed 05 Dec. 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flaticon.com\/free-icons\/twins\" title=\"twins icons\">Twins icons created by Freepik &#8211; Flaticon<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flaticon.com\/free-icons\/pregnant\" title=\"pregnant icons\">Pregnant icons created by agus raharjo &#8211; Flaticon<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flaticon.com\/free-icons\/weight\" title=\"weight icons\">Weight icons created by Soremba &#8211; Flaticon<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flaticon.com\/free-icons\/calendar\" title=\"calendar icons\">Calendar icons created by Freepik &#8211; Flaticon<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flaticon.com\/free-icons\/insurance\" title=\"insurance icons\">Insurance icons created by Freepik &#8211; Flaticon<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flaticon.com\/free-icons\/race\" title=\"race icons\">Race icons created by Freepik &#8211; Flaticon<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Dylen Foster Premature birth affects every 1 in 10 babies in the United States and globally.1 However, the risks and survival odds are not the same everywhere. This article examines the variation in access to prenatal care and healthcare policies across countries and states, as well as the impact of racial and socioeconomic factors&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/other-projects\/interactive-project\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Premature Birth: What the Data Reveals<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30497,"featured_media":0,"parent":314,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":"[]"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/325"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30497"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=325"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":414,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/325\/revisions\/414"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/dylen-foster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}