What is the percentage of live births in the US that are classified as preterm?

The percentage of live births classified as preterm in the United States is approximately 12%. Preterm births refer to those occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. This classification is critical in obstetrics as preterm infants are at increased risk for a variety of health issues and developmental problems. The figure of 12% aligns with data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and reflects trends observed over recent years in maternal and infant health outcomes. This statistic is essential for practitioners as it helps guide management of pregnancies and informs healthcare policies aimed at decreasing the rate of preterm deliveries.