Each year, November 17th is recognized as World Prematurity Day.
More than 13 million babies are born prematurely worldwide every year. A million will die before their first birthdays. Premature birth is the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk for lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, lung problems, and vision and hearing loss.
Preterm Births, United States, Florida & Northeast Florida, 2007-2011
Source: Florida & US: National Center for Health Statistics, NEFL: Florida CHARTS
Visit these resources:
- For Parents
- For Providers
- For Childbirth Educators
- Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalition’s 39 Weeks Prematurity Awareness Month Toolkit