November is also National Family Caregivers month! Access resources to support caregivers' mental health.

Prematurity Awareness Month

This November, join NICHQ in recognizing Prematurity Awareness Month and help bring attention to the health crises of preterm birth—a leading cause of infant mortality.

Transgender Awareness Week
Nov. 11 - 19, 2021

NICHQ is proud to support Transgender Awareness Week-- a time dedicated to raising the visibility of transgender people and addressing issues members of the community face.

Browse resources for healthcare professionals and families supporting transgender children.

Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 10 babies are born preterm, or before completing the normal 37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. These babies miss out on the important growth and development that happens in the final weeks.

Medical experts don’t know all the reasons that some babies are born prematurely, however, there are certain risk factors that can increase the chance for preterm birth, including delivering a premature baby in the past, being pregnant with multiples, tobacco use and substance abuse, and a short time (less than 18 months) between pregnancies.

Carrying to full term helps safeguard against some of the greatest threats to infant health.

During the month of November, NICHQ is proud to recognize Prematurity Awareness Month and help spread the word about the importance of reducing preterm birth and ensuring babies, mothers, and birthing people from all communities are supported with resources and services necessary to carry to full term.

Reducing Early and Preterm Births

Ten percent of babies born in the U.S. are born prematurely, placing them at higher risk for health problems and complications. Wondering how to improve? Consider the following:

Support screenings that identify risk factors for preterm birth
Provide training to enhance patient, family and community engagement
Improve access to progesterone, which can help alleviate premature births
Advance education about the risks of nonmedical early elective delivery

Looking for more ideas?

Read our case study about states' Efforts to Address Preterm Birth Rates.
Watch the accompanying webinar where States Share Interventions, Policy Efforts, & Emerging Issues

Closing Disparity Gaps in Preterm Birth

According to the CDC, racial and ethnic differences in preterm birth rates continue to persist. In 2020, the rate of preterm birth among non-Hispanic black women (14.4%) was about 50% higher than the rate of preterm birth among non-Hispanic white women (9.1%) or Hispanic women (9.8%).

Underserved populations—those with life circumstances that make them susceptible to falling through the cracks in the healthcare system—often have inadequate support and services, creating greater risks for preterm birth and infant mortality.

Celebrating World Prematurity Day

November 17th is World Prematurity Day!

We are proud to join March of Dimes in amplifying the voices of families affected by prematurity who share an unspoken connection through the challenges they face and triumphs they experience.

Articles to Raise Awareness About Prematurity

Coordinated Systems Are Key to Addressing Rising Preterm Birth Rates

Sovannah, a mother of three in Kansas, is an advocate for systems-level change. During her third pregnancy, she connected with a network of supports that she says completely changed her family’s experience. Here, she shares her story that sheds light on the powerful potential of coordinated systems — for reducing preterm births and for strengthening families.

Preventing Preterm Labor in Underserved Populations

Affecting about 1 in 10 babies born in the United States, preterm birth (i.e., birth before 37 weeks gestation) is a leading cause of infant mortality and a major contributor to long-term disability.

Preventing Preterm Birth Through Progesterone

This issue brief details the effectiveness of progesterone in preventing preterm births for at-risk women, the current barriers to progesterone access and how some state Medicaid agencies are creating new reimbursement models to make it more readily available.