Preterm birth rate

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officers (ASTHO) and the March of Dimes formed a partnership last year aimed at preventing preterm birth and infant mortality. During this campaign, states with a preterm birth rate of 9.6% or less by 2020 or sooner will be awarded the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Prematurity Campaign Leadership award.

Maine was one of four states to be recognized this year, along with New Hampshire, Vermont, and Oregon. Based on 2011 data, Maine has a preterm birth rate of 9.6%. This is the result of work by Maine’s obstetrical care providers, the Perinatal Education Outreach and Consultation Program at Maine Medical Center (supported by a Maine CDC maternal child health contract), hospitals, and the March of Dimes educating pregnant women and families about premature birth, its risk factors, and signs and symptoms of premature labor and the need to seek treatment right away.