Institute of Medicine Report on
Preterm Birth Risk Assessment1
The Institute of Medicine issued a report in 2006 that recommended a multidisciplinary research agenda to help improve prediction and prevention of preterm labor and a better understanding of the impact of preterm birth. The report stated that: "The content and structure of prenatal care should include an assessment of the risk of preterm labor."
Summary of report
In 2004, 12.5 percent of births in the U.S. were preterm, at less than 37 weeks gestation.2 This high rate of premature births in the U.S. constitutes a public health concern that costs society at least $26 billion a year.
Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention notes troubling disparities in preterm birth rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Despite great strides in improving the survival of infants born preterm, little is known about how preterm births can be prevented. The report recommends a multidisciplinary research agenda aimed at improving the prediction and prevention of preterm labor, and a better understanding of the health and developmental problems to which preterm infants are more vulnerable.
In addition, the report recommends that guidelines be issued to further reduce the number of multiple births — a significant risk factor for preterm birth — resulting from infertility treatments.
For more information
For the full 2006 Institute of Medicine Report, click here.
References
- 1. Behrman RE, Butler AS, eds. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Preterm birth: causes, consequences, and prevention. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2006.
- 2. www.marchofdimes.com