The with survival rates and outcomes for preemies continually improving it is still important to identify the issues that come with being premature.

In general the incidence of preterm birth is increasing. Some countries have maintained a rate of preterm birth and others have continued to increase. The increase in the rate of premature birth can be attributed to several reasons ranging from IVF use to Socioecnomic status.

Survival Rates of Premmie Babies

Survival rates are always increasing across all preemies. With medical advancements the age of viability is lowering and survival of even the smallest preemies is improving. With the increased survival rates are also the increase of conditions associated with premature birth.

Survival Rates of premmie babies in the United States of America

Survival Rates

• Between January 1997 and December 2002: 85% of preterm infants survived to discharge
• 501 – 750 g = 55%
• 1250 – 1500 g = 96%

Survival Rates of premmie babies in United Kingdom

General Incidence

The EPICure Study was established in 1995 to determine the chances of survival and later health status by following up children who were born in the United Kingdom and Ireland at less than 26 weeks gestational age during a 10 month period in that year.

• At 25 weeks - 75%
• 24 weeks - 60%
• < 24 weeks - 45%

Survival Rates of premmie babies in Australia

Survival Rates

• 1970s ELBW - 25%
• 1990s ELBW - 72%
• 1990 VLBW greater than 90%

{Doyle & Anderson, 2005; Doyle et al., 1999; Meadow, Lee, Lin, & Lantos, 2004; Wilson-Costello, Friedman, Minich, Fanaroff, & Hack, 2005}