Locations
Puerto Rico
Statistics on children, youth and families in Puerto Rico from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Youth Development Institute
Premature babies
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Why This Indicator Matters
A developing baby goes through important growth throughout pregnancy including the very last weeks. Babies born too early, before the 37 week of pregancy have a higher probability of experiencing developmental problems and short- and long- term dissabilities. They are also at greater risk of dying within the first year of life. Infections, multiple births, obesity, poor nutrition, poverty, smoking and violence can increase the chances of a baby being born premature. This could also lead to a family financial crisis and keep the children out of school managing their chronic health conditions. March of Dimes of Puerto Rico estimates that a healthy birth can cost around $5,000 in comparison with a birth with complications, such as prematurity or low birth weight, that can sum up to $55,000.
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
Babies born to women who had completed less than 37 weeks of pregnancy at the moment of giving birth. The data are reported by place of mother's residence, not place of birth.
Data Source
As a result of a data petition to the Puerto Rico Department of Health, Auxiliary Secretariat for Planning and Development, Division of Statistical Analysis.
Notes
It might be possible that the sum of all births is not equal to the total frequency. That's given by births were no municipality was specified, or by those births occurred outside of Puerto Rico even though the mother was an actual resident of any municipality in Puerto Rico.
Last Updated
May 2024