Resources
There are countless questions surrounding prematurity and stillbirth, making these topics overwhelming for many. These resources are intended to help the general public and high-level researchers become more familiar with current facts, research and the overall burden of prematurity and stillbirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering stillbirth and prematurity cause more deaths than any other issue for children under-five, there remain too many unanswered questions. The facts below serve as a starting point for those hoping to learn more.
Prematurity
A quick look at the numbers:
- Every year around the world, 13 million babies are born too early.
- More than 1 million die from prematurity and those who survive suffer serious health problems.
- Prematurity contributes to 28% of infant mortality making it the leading cause of death for children under-five.
- In the United States alone, an estimated $26 billion is spent on healthcare costs related to prematurity.
What is a premature birth?
According to the World Health Organization, preterm labor is indicated by the onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Without the full time to grow and develop, these premature babies suffer increased risks for life-threatening infections, cerebral palsy, brain injury, respiratory problems, learning and development problems, and death.
What areas of the world are most affected by prematurity?
Rates continue to rise in low-, middle- and high-income countries. Rates among certain populations in the United States rival those in low-income countries. Significant disparities persist even after accounting for income, education and access to care.
Stillbirth
A quick look at the numbers:
- More than 3.2 million stillbirths occur each year worldwide.
- 99% of all stillbirths occur in developing countries—Asia and Africa.
- 30% of all stillbirths occur during labor and delivery. These are preventable.
What is a stillbirth?
There is no universally accepted definition of stillbirth, making it difficult to understand the magnitude or size of the problem and to determine the most effective interventions. In a survey on stillbirths sent to vital registration offices around the world, 30 responses were received; 25 from high-income countries five from middle-income countries and none from low-income countries. There were a total of 17 different definitions of stillbirth.
What parts of the world are most affected by stillbirth?
The highest incidences of stillbirths occur in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia.
Current Action
A Quick Look at the Numbers
- There has been a 60% drop in the rate of child mortality since 1960.
- The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5, set by the United Nations, hope to:
- (MDG 4) Reduce by 2/3 (67%), between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate
- (MDG 5) Reduce by 3/4 (75%) the maternal mortality ratio
- 4 million children die in the first 4 weeks of life yet these deaths receive little attention compared with deaths occurring after this time period. In order to meet MDG 4 substantial reductions must be made in the global neonatal mortality rate.
Current action being taken to reduce premature births and stillbirths?
While prematurity and stillbirths contribute greatly to the global burden of disease, they have attracted remarkably little attention. Some of this void can be attributed to a shortage of adequate data, highlighting the need for a collaborative effort to collect and use data to set priorities. GAPPS is hosting the International Conference on Prematurity and Stillbirth (May 2009) to facilitate the development of this global plan of action.