Why is PTL a Concern?
Premature birth is the greatest problem associated with preterm labor. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in newborn babies in the United States. Preterm labor results in premature birth with alarming and increasing frequency. In the United States, approximately 12 percent of all births (1 in 8) are premature births. Growth and development in the last part of pregnancy are vital to the baby’s health. Premature birth takes the lives of many newborns and may cause cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, blindness, hearing loss and learning and behavioral problems in many of those who survive. The earlier the baby is born, the greater the chance he or she will have prolonged hospitalizations and long-term health and developmental problems.
