Prematurity has been escalating steadily and alarmingly over the past two decades. One out of eight babies is born prematurely in the United States. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman.

What We Know and What We Don’t
Why Do Women Deliver Early?
Who Will Deliver Early?
Who Is at Increased Risk?
Can Treatment Prevent Preterm Delivery?
Complications in the Newborn

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign is a multimillion-dollar research, awareness and education effort that helps families have healthier babies.

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign
Progress and Impact

Premature birth touches everyone. The emotional costs for families can be devastating and life-changing. The financial costs affect all of us. Prematurity accounts for almost half of hospital charges for infants.

The Economic and Societal Costs
The Cost to Business
The Emotional Toll

In about 40 percent of premature births, the causes are unknown. To solve this problem, scientific research is of paramount importance. The March of Dimes is funding medical studies to find the answers.

Setting the National Research Agenda
Prematurity Research Initiative: Grantees, 2008
Prematurity Research Initiative: Grantees, 2007
Prematurity Research Initiative: Grantees, 2006
Prematurity Research Initiative: Grantees, 2005
Research and Treatment Milestones

The March of Dimes advocates for national and state health policies and programs that benefit women of childbearing age, infants and children.

The March of Dimes Works to Protect Children

The Perinatal Data Center at the March of Dimes has a number of statistical resources regarding preterm birth and other perinatal topics.

The following organizations are partnering with the March of Dimes to help lead the national effort to fight prematurity.

Campaign Partners & Alliances