An Alarming Trend: Premature Births Go Up In Georgia

As of 2017, Georgia ranked 5th highest in the nation for preterm birth rates.

M. Spencer Green / Associated Press file

Georgia’s preterm birth rate rose in 2016 after years of decrease, a disturbing trend that is mirrored by national data, state officials said Monday.

Preterm birth is when a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. It’s also called premature birth.

Babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifelong health challenges, such as breathing problems and cerebral palsy.