Premature births in the U.S. remain at an all-time high, the March of Dimes reports
About 370,000 babies were born at 37 weeks’ gestation or earlier last year, according to the report. Preemies are often at higher risk for physical or intellectual disabilities.
The problem is particularly troublesome in areas of the country without doctors, nurses, midwives or medical centers specializing in maternity care. They include states in the South with the most preterm births, according to the report: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina.
Read more at NBC News
Premature birth rates in US remain at historic high, report finds
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.
Read more at The Guardian