Every week in Illinois, about 250 babies are born too soon.1
Most moms never see it coming. But a simple blood test can tell you your risk of early delivery, while there is still time to plan.
1 in 10
babies in Illinois are born preterm, before 37 weeks.1
13,042
Illinois babies were born too soon in 2024 alone.1
50%
of spontaneous preterm births happen to moms with no known risk factors.2
The problem
What every family should know
Preterm birth is when a baby arrives before 37 weeks of gestation. It’s one of the leading causes of newborn complications in the U.S., and Illinois has one of the higher rates in the country.1
Here is what surprises most moms: it usually happens without warning. No symptoms. No family history. A seemingly healthy pregnancy, and then suddenly, everything changes.
For decades, there was little way to know your risk ahead of time, especially if you were a first-time mom. That has changed.
How PreTRM Helps
Now there is a test for that
The PreTRM® Test starts with a blood draw, just like the other routine tests you get during pregnancy. It’s done between weeks 18 to 21, and it measures signals in your blood to help predict your risk of delivering early.
A higher-than-average risk is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to plan. You and your doctor can keep a closer eye on things and talk through steps that may help your baby stay put longer.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about the PreTRM Test.
Step 2
Quick blood draw between 18 to 21 weeks.
Step 3
Receive your results and tailor your care plan with your health care provider.
The Illinois news
Illinois Medicaid now covers it
As of July 1, 2026, Illinois Medicaid covers prenatal blood tests like PreTRM that help predict the risk of preterm birth. Illinois is the first state in the country to take this step for moms and babies.
If you have Illinois Medicaid, talk to your doctor about whether the PreTRM Test is right for your pregnancy. Coverage details can vary, and your doctor’s office or your health plan can confirm what applies to you.
Every mom deserves to know her risk
Preterm birth does not affect every family equally. In Illinois, Black babies are born preterm at 15.2%, compared to 9.6% for white babies.3 Where you live and who you are should not decide whether you get answers.
Coverage now meets moms where they are. Medicaid pays for about 4 in 10 births nationwide.1 Illinois expanding coverage means risk testing can reach the moms who have had the least access to it.
Ask your doctor.
At your next visit, just ask: Is the PreTRM Test right for my pregnancy? Our free discussion guide makes it easy to start the conversation.
Know a mom-to-be?
Most moms have never heard of preterm birth risk testing. Pass this along to someone whose pregnancy you care about.
You cannot control everything in
pregnancy. But you can know this.
One blood draw between weeks 18 to 21.
One answer that helps you and your doctor plan ahead.
LEARN MORE
We’ll Send Three Short Emails About PreTRM
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Questions you might have
Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Illinois Medicaid covers this kind of preterm birth risk testing for eligible pregnancies. Your doctor’s office or your health plan can confirm the details for your situation.
Between weeks 18 and 21 of pregnancy, with a simple blood draw. Not sure where you are in that window? Your doctor can help you time it.
Your personal risk of delivering early. Your results will tell you if you are at higher or not higher risk of preterm birth. No test can predict the future for certain, but knowing if you’re at higher risk means you and your doctor can plan ahead instead of being caught off guard.
No. The PreTRM Test is designed for moms carrying one baby. If you are expecting twins or more, talk to your doctor about the right monitoring for your pregnancy.
More common than most people realize. About 1 in 10 babies in Illinois are born too soon, and it often happens with no warning signs at all. That is exactly why knowing your risk matters.
Visit our moms resource center for more on risk, prevention research, and what to expect from the test.
References
- March of Dimes. 2025 Report Card for Illinois
- Hamilton BE, Osterman MJK. Births: Provisional Data for 2024. Vital Statistics Rapid Release. 2025;38.
- March of Dimes. Preterm birth rates by race/ethnicity in Illinois, 2021–2023 average.