This is the official web site of Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait, a partnership of Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute, the March of Dimes, and the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Our goal is to reduce the high rates of preterm birth. Read more...

Prematurity is the number one killer of newborn infants. Many premature babies who survive have long-term serious problems, even babies born just a few weeks early. Preterm birth is happening all too often. About 1 in 8 babies in the U.S. today is born preterm, and in Kentucky, the number is 1 in 7.

Sometimes a preterm birth is necessary for medical reasons to protect the health of the mother or the baby. However, one concerning new trend is an increasing number of people who choose to have their baby delivered early (by elective induction or elective C-section) without medical reasons, that is, for convenience. They may not be aware of the evidence that shows that babies born even a few weeks early can have serious and life-long problems, more problems than if they were born full term. Read more...

New research tells us that most unexpected spontaneous preterm birth is a "common complex disorder" like heart disease. Like heart disease, we can't always prevent it. But there are lots of things that individuals and communities can do to help reduce the risks and prevent some cases of preterm birth. Join us in taking action to reduce the risks and prevent preterm birth in your communities. We hope this web site will provide you with the information, ideas, and resources you need.