Early Prenatal Care Declines in U.S.
NEWS OVERVIEW:
Fewer U.S. women are beginning prenatal care in the first trimester, according to new federal data from the CDC. Health experts warn that delaying care can increase risks for both mothers and babies, especially among minority populations.
Some details for the context:
- The share of births with first-trimester prenatal care fell from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024, while second- and third-trimester starts increased.
- Early prenatal care allows doctors to monitor blood pressure, conduct screenings, and detect complications sooner, improving outcomes.
- The decline was steeper among Black mothers, whose first-trimester care dropped from 69.7% to 65.1% over the same period.
- More than 35% of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts, limiting access to obstetric providers and birthing facilities.
- Experts cite hospital closures, rural access challenges, insurance barriers, and abortion law restrictions as possible contributing factors.