Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!

New Hampshire's Pre-Term Births Fall; 5th Best in Nation

Fewer premature babies were born in New Hampshire in 2012. A new reportfrom the March of Dimes shows the state’s pre-term birth rate dropped from 9.5% to 9.3%. New Hampshire has the 5th lowest rate in the nation.

Births before the 37th week of pregnancy are the leading cause of newborn death.

Doctor Rebecca Ewing with March of Dimes in New Hampshire says statewide efforts to slow elective early births and anti-smoking campaigns are having an impact.

“People really understand that those last few weeks of pregnancy are incredibly important to the baby’s development,” says Ewing.

Babies born prematurely who survive can face long-lasting respiratory and nervous system challenges.

The report finds rates of pre-term birth among minorities in New Hampshire lag behind those of white mothers.

Todd started as a news correspondent with NHPR in 2009. He spent nearly a decade in the non-profit world, working with international development agencies and anti-poverty groups. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.
Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.