Michigan Chapter: Prematurity

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Preterm and Low Birthweight births are on the rise in Michigan

Babies born too soon and too small struggle to survive those first few weeks and sometimes months of life. They are more likely to have developmental delays, chronic respiratory problems and vision or hearing impairment. The March of Dimes is dedicated to reducing the number of babies born early and/or too small; programs focus on education about the signs of preterm labor and research into the causes.

In 1990, 10.7% of Michigan births were preterm - births occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy - by 2000 the number had risen to 11.6%. Nearly 12% of the 136,171 babies born in Michigan were born too soon. During that same time period, the percentage of low birthweight babies - those born less than 5-1/2 pounds - increased from 7.6% to 7.9%. The rate of preterm birth in Michigan is highest for African Americans (18.4%), followed by Native Americans (11.4%), Hispanics (11%), Whites (10.1%) and Asians (10%)

How does Michigan compare?

Preterm births in Michigan: 11.6%

Preterm births in the United States: 11.6%

Preterm births 2010 target: 7.6%

Low birthweight rates in Michigan: 7.9%

Low birthweight rates in the United States: 7.6%

Low birthweight rates 2010 target: 5%

Visit our Peristats website to view more information about prematurity in Michigan.


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