There is an alarming trend in Georgia. Premature births are going up after years of decline.

A baby is considered premature if delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These babies are known as preemies or premmies. A developing baby goes through important growth throughout pregnancy- including in the final weeks and months. For example, the brain, lungs, and liver need the final weeks of pregnancy to fully develop.

Georgia's preterm birth rate in 2016 rose after years of decline, according to The Georgia Department of Health. The state's preterm birth rate climbed to 11.2 percent last year, up from 10.8 percent in 2015. That's higher than the national average, which is 9.8 percent in 2016. The national average if also up. It was 9.6 percent the year before

Why are premature deliveries on the rise? That's not an easy question to answer because there are so many things that could be causing this. "One of the biggest things we are seeing is the overall health of the moms," says Nancy Nydam with the Georgia Department of Health.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says preventing preterm birth remains a challenge because there are many causes and because causes may be complex and not always well understood. However, pregnant women can take important steps to help reduce their risk of pre-term birth and improve their general health. Don't smoke or use alcohol and drugs during pregnancy and make sure you get good prenatal care during pregnancy.