| The number of babies born prematurely (prior to 37 weeks gestation) reached a record high of 480,812 in 2002. Nationwide, the rate of premature births jumped 13 percent between 1992 and 2002. In Texas, the increase was 21 percent with 49,290 babies born prematurely in 2002. Ten percent of all premature births in the U.S. occur in Texas.
Premature Birth Rates Increase
2002 Preterm Birth Data from the National Center for Health Statistics
- Premature birth rate in U.S. reaches historic high – now up 29 percent since 1981.
- The number of babies born prematurely (prior to 37 weeks gestation) reached a record high of 480,812 in 2002, according to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics.
- In 2002, 49,290 Texas babies were born premature.
- Ten percent of all premature births in the U.S. occur in Texas.
- The premature birth rate in 2002 rose to 12.1 percent of live births, up from 11.9 percent in 2001.
- African-American infants were nearly twice as likely as non-Hispanic white infants to be born prematurely in 2002 – rates for both these groups increased from 2001.
- Infants born low birthweight (less than 5.5 pounds) increased slightly from 7.7 percent of live births in 2001 to 7.8 percent in 2002.
- Multiple births (twins, triplets and higher) increased slightly from 3.2 percent to 3.3 percent of live births. This represents an increase in the twin birth rate and a slight decrease in the triplet and higher order birth rate.
- Nationwide, the rate of premature births jumped 13 percent between 1992 and 2002, with seven states showing increases of 30 percent or more. In Texas, the increase is 21 percent.
| |
Percent of Live Births |
Percent
Change |
|
1992 |
2002 |
| U.S. |
10.7 |
12.1 |
13 |
| Texas |
11 |
13.3 |
21 |
- States with a higher percent of change compared to Texas = 15
- States with an equal percent of change compared to Texas = 1 (Idaho)
Click here for more information about rising premature birth rates.
Source: March of Dimes Peristats
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