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Reducing rates of preterm and early-term singleton births safely in Australia

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 122
Authors:
  • Newnham JP et al.
Summary:

An Australian national preterm birth prevention programme led to meaningful reductions in preterm and early-term births. Phase 1 was a clinician-led education programme conducted at a population level between 2018 and 2021. Phase 2 added a Breakthrough Series Collaborative involving 59 maternity hospitals across the country between 2022 and 2024. For both phases, outcomes were changes in the rates of preterm (20 weeks + 0 days to 36 weeks + 6 days) and early-term (37 weeks + 0 days to 38 weeks + 6 days), liveborn, singleton births. In Phase 1 (n = 1,479,125 births), the preterm birth rate decreased from 6.40% in 2017 to 5.97% in 2021 (p

Comment:
Co-designed with Indigenous women in Australia, the intervention included continuity of midwifery care, smoking cessation, culturally safe education and avoiding non-medically indicated early births. It resulted in a 7–10% reduction in preterm and early-term births, confirming that partnership with Indigenous peoples in the design and implementation of healthcare is essential! For more information check their site: https://everyweekcounts.com.au/partnering-with-first-nations communities-to-give-babies-the-best-start/.
Reference: The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, 2025; 1, e291-e301.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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