Preterm birth rates in the US remain at historically high levels, according to a new report.
On Thursday, March of Dimes, a maternal health nonprofit, released its latest version findings stating that the national preterm birth rate will remain at 10.4% in 2023, largely due to chronic conditions, inadequate prenatal care and racial disparities. In contrast, the premature birth rate ten years ago was 9.6%.
The study shows that more than 370,000 babies will be born prematurely in the US by 2023. Additionally, Black mothers face a preterm birth rate of 14.7%, nearly 1.5 times higher than the national average.
The study pointed to major risks for preterm birth, including inadequate prenatal care and chronic health problems.
Last year, the rate of inadequate prenatal care was 15.7%, a decade-high, with even higher rates among Black, American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Inadequate prenatal care is linked to a 9% increase in the rate of preterm births compared to those who receive adequate prenatal care, the study found.
Chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, also carry significant risks, with pre-pregnancy hypertension increasing by more than 10% in just one year. According to the study, the preterm birth rate for babies born to people with hypertension was 23.3%. The preterm 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.
Preterm birth remains the leading cause of infant mortality, which is expected to rise by 3% by 2023 – the biggest increase in two decades, the study found. In 2022, more than 20,000 babies died before their first birthday, with the highest rates in the Southern and Midwestern states. Black babies have an infant mortality rate that is 1.9 times the national rate.
“As a physician, I know the profound impact that comprehensive prenatal care has on pregnancy outcomes for both mother and baby,” Amanda P Williams, interim chief medical officer of March of Dimes said in a statement.
“Yet too many families, especially those from our most vulnerable communities, do not receive the support they need to ensure healthy pregnancies and births. The health of mother and baby is closely intertwined. If we can address chronic health issues and ensure all mothers have access to quality prenatal care, we can help every family get the best possible start.”