Premature birth rates in the US remain at a historic high, according to a new report.
On Thursday, March of Dimes, a maternal health non-profit organization, released its latest findings which say that the national premature birth rate of 2023 remains at 10.4%, largely due to chronic conditions, inadequate prenatal care and racial disparities. In contrast, the premature birth rate 10 years ago was at 9.6%.
Grading the US a D+ for its premature birth rates, the study found that more than 370,000 babies were born prematurely in 2023. Additionally, Black mothers face a premature birth rate of 14.7%, almost 1.5 times higher than the national average.
The study pointed to major risks for premature births including inadequate prenatal care and chronic health issues.
Last year, the rate of inadequate prenatal care was 15.7%, with even higher rates among Black and American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Inadequate prenatal care is linked to a 9% increase in the rate of premature births compared with those who receive adequate prenatal care, the study found.
Chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes also pose significant risks, with pre-pregnancy hypertension rising over 10% in just one year. According to the study, the premature birth rate for babies born to people with hypertension was 23.3%. The premature birth rate for babies born to people with diabetes was 28.8%.
The study also found that 40.7% of people who gave birth were at risk of exposure to extreme heat and 73.7% of people who gave birth were at risk of exposure to poor air quality.
Premature births remain the leading cause of infant mortality, which increased by 3% in 2023 – the largest increase across two decades, the study also noted. In 2022, over 20,000 babies died before their first birthday, with the greatest rates occurring across southern and midwestern states. Black babies have an infant mortality rate 1.9 times the national rate.
“As a clinician, I know the profound impact that comprehensive prenatal care has on pregnancy outcomes for both mom and baby,” Amanda P Williams, March of Dimes’s interim chief medical officer said in a statement.
“Yet, too many families, especially those from our most vulnerable communities, are not receiving the support they need to ensure healthy pregnancies and births. The health of mom and baby are intricately intertwined. If we can address chronic health conditions and help ensure all moms have access to quality prenatal care, we can help every family get the best possible start.”
