The number of babies born prematurely in the United States is on the rise, according to data from the National Center of Health Statistics.
Infants born less than 37 weeks gestation are considered premature. The average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks.
Since 1990, the preterm birth rate has risen 14 percent in the United States. In Maryland, the increase has been 15 percent between 1990 and 2002.
There are different reasons for the dramatic rise, according to Dr. Renee Fox, head of the division of neonatology at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children. "One contributing reason for the increase is assisted fertility," said Fox.
When women are impregnated through methods like in vitro fertilization, multiple babies are often born. Multiple births can increase the risk of prematurity.
Many women are waiting to become mothers. When a woman delivers over the age of 35, her chances of a preterm baby increase. Mothers under the age of 19 are also at risk of delivering a preemie.
"Poor prenatal care is another risk factor for a premature baby," said Fox.
A premature baby cannot typically go home in a couple days. The newborn is taken to the neontatal intensive care unit, or NICU, where he or she will continue to grow. The University of Maryland Children's Hospital is home to the largest NICU in the state.
Premature babies are at an increased risk of many medical complications. In the NICU, the infants will receive advanced care to address issues such as underdeveloped lungs, the inability to maintain body temperature, jaundice and low blood pressure.
Advances in medical care and technology have made it possible for many preemies to survive. Right now, babies born at 27 weeks or those who weigh less than 2 pounds have a greater than 90 percent chance of survival.
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