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Reducing preterm birth among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: key findings and implications
Publication
Release Date:
Topic: First Nations people
Citation
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2026) Reducing preterm birth among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: key findings and implications, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 23 July 2026.
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Preterm birth rates among First Nations babies have hardly changed in 2 decades, fluctuating between 13.9% in 2005 and 13.8% in 2023. Strategies to reduce preterm birth include timely access to antenatal care, elimination of smoking before or during pregnancy, prevention and/or management of pre-existing and gestational diabetes and hypertension, and improved nutrition to optimise body weight. Improving First Nations women’s socioeconomic circumstances would also contribute to reducing preterm births.
- ISBN: 978-1-923553-09-5
- Cat. no: IHW 310
- Pages: 125
Findings from this report:
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At 13.9% in 2005 and 13.8% in 2023, preterm birth rates among First Nations women have hardly changed in 2 decades
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Risk factors for preterm birth include smoking, diabetes mellitus, deficient prenatal care and low socioeconomic status
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Strategies to reduce preterm birth include not smoking during pregnancy, better prenatal care and improved nutrition
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Improving the socioeconomic circumstances of First Nations women would also contribute to reducing preterm births