November 22, 2013

Ohio's prematurity rate has improved within the past year, according to a recently released March of Dimes state report card (PDF).

Through efforts to improve the health of women before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as quality improvement projects like the ones undertaken at TriHealth to reduce non-indicated, scheduled deliveries before 39 weeks of pregnancy, the state has achieved a prematurity rate of 12.1 percent.

While much work is needed to improve the rate to local, state and national goals, we celebrate the 1.2 percent reduction in Ohio's prematurity rate since 2006 (from 13.3 percent to 12.1 percent).