440,000 per year,
36,666 per month,
8,461 per week,
1,205 per day,
50 per hour,
0 per minute,
0 per second.
[Source statistic for calculation: "440,000 cases (unreliable estimate)" -- see also general information about data sources]
All statistics for Premature Birth
Prevalence/Incidence of Premature Birth: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Premature Birth.
Cesarean birth:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The most common reasons for cesarean birth are malpresentation (such as shoulder or face presentation), fetal intolerance of labor distress, cephalopelvic disproportion ([CPD] the pelvis is too small to accommodate the fetal head), certain cases of toxemia, previous cesarean birth, and inadequate progress in labor (failure of induction).
Conditions causing fetal distress that indicate a need for cesarean birth include prolapsed cord with a live fetus, fetal hypoxia, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, unfavorable intrauterine environment (from infection), and moderate to severe Rh isoimmunization. Less common maternal conditions that may necessitate cesarean birth include complete placenta previa, abruptio placentae, placenta accreta, malignant tumors, and chronic diseases in which delivery is indicated before term.
Cesarean birth may also be necessary if induction is contraindicated or difficult or if advanced labor increases the risk of morbidity and mortality.
In the case of a previous cesarean delivery, some physicians allow a subsequent vaginal delivery if the cesarean wasn’t classic or if the original reason for the cesarean no longer exists. However, vaginal delivery risks uterine rupture if the uterus is scarred.
The rising incidence of cesarean birth coincides with recent medical and technologic advances in fetal and placental surveillance and care. In the United States, 9% to 16% of all pregnancies terminate in cesarean births, rising to 17% to 25% in perinatal centers that handle high-risk deliveries.
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Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Premature rupture of membranes:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Although the cause of PROM is unknown, malpresentation and contracted pelvis commonly accompany the rupture. Predisposing factors may include:
❑ poor nutrition and hygiene, and lack of proper prenatal care
❑ incompetent cervix (perhaps as a result of abortions)
❑ increased intrauterine tension due to hydramnios or multiple pregnancies
❑ defects in the amniochorial membranes’ tensile strength
❑ uterine infection.
PROM occurs in nearly 10% of all pregnancies over 20 weeks’ gestation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Premature labor:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The possible causes of premature labor are many; they may include premature rupture of the membranes (occurs in 30% to 50% of premature labors), preeclampsia, chronic hypertensive vascular disease, hydramnios, multiple pregnancy, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, incompetent cervix, abdominal surgery, trauma, structural anomalies of the uterus, infections (such as rubella or toxoplasmosis), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and fetal death.
Other important provocative factors include:
❑ Fetal stimulation: Genetically imprinted information tells the fetus that nutrition is inadequate and that a change in environment is required for well-being; this provokes onset of labor.
❑ Oxytocin sensitivity: Labor begins because the myometrium becomes hypersensitive to oxytocin, the hormone that normally induces uterine contractions.
❑ Myometrial oxygen deficiency: The fetus becomes increasingly proficient in obtaining oxygen, depriving the myometrium of the oxygen and energy it needs to function normally, thus making the myometrium irritable.
❑ Maternal genetics: A genetic defect in the mother shortens gestation and precipitates premature labor.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Premature Thelarche:
Premature Thelarche - epidemiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
60% of cases noted between 6 months and 2 years of age
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
About prevalence and incidence statistics:
The term 'prevalence' of Premature Birth usually refers to the estimated population
of people who are managing Premature Birth at any given time.
The term 'incidence' of Premature Birth refers to the annual diagnosis rate,
or the number of new cases of Premature Birth diagnosed each year.
Hence, these two statistics types can differ:
a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence,
but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence.
For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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