The Scoop on U.S. Preterm Birth Rates: A Closer Look
Hey there, health enthusiasts and concerned citizens! Have you heard the latest buzz? The U.S. is still grappling with a high rate of preterm births. The March of Dimes Report Card has spoken, and the stats are in: a 10.4% rate as of 2022. That’s barely a dip from the previous year, which saw a decade peak. So, what’s the deal?
Each year, this organization dishes out grades to states based on their percentage of Babies making an early entrance, before 37 weeks’ gestation. And let me tell you, the report card is looking more like my high school algebra grades – not great. The U.S. snagged a D+ in 2022, and eight southern states flunked with Fs. Yikes!
Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, the big cheese at March of Dimes in Arlington, Virginia, is sounding the alarm. She says too many communities are lagging in tackling preterm birth rates. But why? Let’s dive in.
What’s Contributing to High Preterm Birth Rates?
Dr. Chandani DeZure, a neonatal pediatric hospitalist from Palo Alto, California, spills the tea on three big issues: lack of quality maternal and infant care, access to care, and racial disparities in healthcare. And guess what? These problems are getting the cold shoulder at both state and federal levels, leaving preterm birth stats stagnant.
Fourteen states saw an uptick in preterm births in 2022. Dr. Cherot points to a cocktail of factors, including inadequate prenatal care and a spike in hypertension in 13 states. Add to that unhealthy pre-pregnancy weights in 12 states and a side of pre-pregnancy diabetes in six. It’s a recipe for concern.
Other ingredients in this complex mix include rising Cesarean rates, shifts in clinical practices, and policy changes affecting care access. Plus, states with more poverty tend to see more preterm births. And get this: over 60% of these births involved multiples, and 30% were to Moms with a history of early deliveries.
Black mothers face a preterm birth rate 1.5 times higher than other races and ethnicities. They also battle more chronic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to dicey outcomes.
Infant and Maternal Mortality: The Stark Reality
The March of Dimes report doesn’t sugarcoat the bitter truth about infant and maternal mortality. Maternal mortality, which is when a mom dies from pregnancy or childbirth complications, has nearly doubled since 2018. That’s a whopping 17.4 deaths per 100,000 moms in 2021. And it’s not just a number; it’s a siren call that the U.S. is veering off course, especially compared to other industrialized nations.
Communities of color are hit hardest, with Black women twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. Infant mortality has seen a decline over the past decade, but the South and Midwest still face the highest rates. And here’s a gut punch: Black babies are twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to White babies. The usual suspects? Birth defects, preterm birth, low birth weight, SIDS, accidents, and maternal complications.
Time for Change: Improving Maternal and Infant Health
So, what’s the game plan? According to Dr. Cherot, there’s no magic bullet for preterm birth. The U.S. needs to step up its maternity care game, and pronto. The March of Dimes is calling for new policies and funding to bridge the gap, boost access, and better outcomes for moms and babies.
They’re talking Medicaid extensions post-birth, expanded access to preventative care, paid Family leave, doula care reimbursement, and funding for mortality review committees. States with these policies and proper funding are already scoring higher.
Dr. DeZure emphasizes the need for quality, affordable health insurance that covers comprehensive reproductive and prenatal care. We also need hospitals with top-notch clinicians and tech, plus postnatal support like paid family leave. Because let’s face it, new moms and babies deserve to thrive.
So, there you have it, folks. The state of preterm births and maternal health in the U.S. is a bit of a rollercoaster. But with the right moves, we can turn those Ds into As and ensure healthier beginnings for our littlest citizens. Let’s make it happen!
