In 2024, 91.9% of babies born in NSW were reported to be born at term (37–41 weeks gestation), 7.7% were born prematurely (less than 37 weeks gestation), and 0.4% were born post-term (42-plus weeks gestation). Of the 7.7% of babies born prematurely, 0.8% were born at less than 28 weeks, 0.7% at 28–31 weeks, and 6.2% at 32–36 weeks.
Variations in gestational age across local health districts should be interpreted with caution as maternity and neonatal service capability levels differ across districts. Women identified as being at risk of premature birth or with higher-risk pregnancies may be transferred to a hospital with a higher maternity and neonatal service capability level prior to the birth of the baby. These transfers ensure women and babies receive the safest and most appropriate care, but they can also influence differences in outcomes, including gestational age data reported for local health districts with higher interstate referrals, especially those close to the borders of the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland.
Source: NSW Perinatal Data Collection (SAPHaRI). Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health.
Notes:
Baby outcomes – Gestational age
HealthStats NSW – Duration of pregnancy at birth (gestational age)
