PRETERM BIRTH

Why this is important: Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality. Although medical advances have helped to improve infant survival, these infants are at a higher risk for respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune system, central nervous system, hearing, and vision problems.

Definition: Percent of singleton births with an estimated gestation age of less than 37 weeks.

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics. Calculations and presentation of data by Spokane Regional Health District, Data Center. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Vital Statistics System.