Oregon reduces rate of preterm birth

Oregon’s preterm birth rate—babies born before 37 weeks—has improved for the second year in a row.

In 2009, the last year for which complete data are available, the preterm rate was 9.8 percent, down from 10.3 in 2007.

Only Vermont has a lower rate, at 9.5 percent. The national preterm rate is 12.2 percent.

The 2011 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card gives Oregon a B for its score. The number of premature babies born in Oregon in 2009 was about 4,600.

See the Portland Business Journal story or read more on the March of Dimes website.