IOM Report: Preterm Birth

A report released yesterday by the IOM finds that more than half a million infants are born prematurely every year, costing the United States at least $26 billion.

The report, “Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention,” finds that one in eight infants in the United States is now born at least three weeks early, a rate that has increased by more than 30% during the last 20 years and has largely been fueled by fertility treatments resulting in more multiple births. However, experts say the cause of most preterm births remains unclear, making the early deliveries difficult to prevent. Although the report notes that physicians have “made great strides in helping preemies to survive,” researchers say birth even a few weeks prematurely can significantly increase the risk of medical and developmental problems.

To reduce the number of premature births, the IOM recommends that more pregnant women undergo first-trimester ultrasound exams to help accurately determine gestational age. In addition, the group calls on physicians to strengthen guidelines for preventing multiple births associated with fertility treatments. Finally, the report calls on the federal government to increase research efforts into the causes and prevention of preterm birth.