WASHINGTON (AP) -- For the first time in 30 years, the rate of premature births in the U.S. is down.
The March of Dimes says 12.3 percent of births in 2008 were premature compared to 12.8 percent in 2006. President Dr. Jennifer Howse calls that "very welcome news," although that rate is still far above the government's goal of 7.6 percent.
The March of Dimes credits the improvement to a clamp down on doctors and hospitals that were scheduling elective deliveries -- including inductions or first-time C-sections -- too soon. Guidelines discourage such deliveries until 39 weeks of pregnancy.
Even within the U.S., the rate of premature births can vary widely. In 2008, it was 9.5 percent in Vermont and 18 percent in Mississippi.
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