Preterm Birth Awareness in
Burlington County
The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Burlington County is partnering with the Prematurity Prevention Initiative to highlight a growing community concern—rising preterm birth rates in Burlington County. Between 2022 and 2023, Burlington County's preterm birth rate increased from 8.7% to 10.2%. These numbers represent real families facing unexpected medical challenges, increased stress and long-term health impacts. Together, we can raise awareness and support healthier pregnancies and families throughout Burlington County.
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PREMATURITY PREVENTION INITIATIVE
The Prematurity Prevention Initiative, a program of The Cooperative’s subsidiary agency, Family Health Initiatives, works to prevent preterm (early) births across New Jersey. A preterm birth is defined as a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born too early are at higher risk for:
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Breathing difficulties
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Feeding challenges
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Developmental delays
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Long-term health complications
Prevention efforts focus on improving maternal health, expanding access to prenatal care, reducing health disparities, and addressing social factors that impact pregnancy outcomes.
CAUSES OF PRETERM BIRTH
Preterm birth can happen to anyone, but certain factors may increase risk, including:
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Previous preterm birth
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High blood pressure or diabetes
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Infections during pregnancy
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Smoking or substance use
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High levels of stress
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Short time between pregnancies
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Limited access to prenatal care
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Social and economic inequities
In many cases, preterm birth happens without a clear cause, which is why education, early care and support are so important.
PREVENTION
Preventing preterm birth includes managing chronic diseases during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and obesity.
Click here to learn more about preventing early birth.
RESOURCES
