Premature birth rate continues to drop

I recently read the below data. I found it very interesting. 

Premature birth rate continues to drop but is still the highest among other nations. According to a report by the March of Dimes, the preterm birth rate in the United Stated fell for a sixth consecutive year in 2012. 

Premature birth can lead to many serious health complications including developmental delay and cerebral palsy. 

Since 2006, about 176,000 fewer premature babies have been born in the United States.  However, even though last year's U.S. preterm birth rate was the lowest since 1998, the nation again earned a "C" on the March of Dimes report card. 

"Although we have made great progress in reducing our nation's preterm birth rate from historic highs, the U.S. still has the highest rate of preterm birth of any industrialized country. We must continue to invest in premature birth prevention because every baby deserves a healthy start in life," said Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

 

I found the above info from CerebralPalsy.org #CPorgInformation

Map is from the march of Dimes website. Search Report Card Data