U.S. Preterm Birth Rates Remain Critically High, New Report Shows

The March of Dimes Report highlights persistent racial disparities and inadequate prenatal care as major contributors to the ongoing crisis.

Georgia received an F grade for its preterm birth rate of 11.8%, significantly higher than the national average of 10.4%, which earned a D+.
The report identifies chronic health issues like hypertension and diabetes as significant risk factors, with preterm birth rates of 23.3% and 28.8% respectively for affected mothers.
Racial disparities persist, with Black mothers experiencing preterm birth rates nearly 1.5 times higher than the national average.
Inadequate prenatal care has reached a decade high of 15.7%, disproportionately affecting Black and American Indian/Alaska Native communities.
Environmental factors such as extreme heat and air pollution are increasingly recognized as contributors to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.