National Prematurity Awareness Month

National Prematurity Awareness Month Premature (also known as preterm) birth is when a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. In 2017, about 1 in 10 babies was born too early in the United States. Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality. Babies who survive can have short- and long-term health problems. November is National Prematurity Awareness Month, an opportunity to reflect on the nearly 400,000 babies born too early each year in the United States and what we can do to prevent it. Please see our Premature Birth Web feature for important information that includes: Preterm Birth in the United States Risk Factors Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor What Can We Do? CDC Activities