A recent analysis from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has revealed a concerning trend in the United States – the rate of babies born prematurely has increased by 12% from 2014 to 2022, reaching nearly 8.7%. This analysis also uncovered significant racial and age disparities among the mothers.
According to the report, black mothers were found to be almost twice as likely as white mothers to give birth before babies reached full term, with rates of 12.5% versus 7.6% respectively. Additionally, women over the age of 40 were at a greater risk of preterm birth compared to women aged 20-29, with rates of 12.5% versus 8.23%.
Experts have expressed concerns that this report adds to the existing evidence of a maternal and infant health crisis in the US, which is expected to be exacerbated by abortion bans across several states. The US currently has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed democracies, as reported by the Commonwealth Fund.
Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and president-elect of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, emphasized the significance of this report, stating that despite extensive research, the root causes of preterm birth remain elusive. She highlighted the need for further understanding of the instigating factors behind preterm birth.
The NCHS report not only underscores the persistently high rate of preterm birth in the US but also sheds light on the potential risks associated with starting families later in life. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift towards women giving birth in their early 40s.
Furthermore, the report highlights the ongoing racial disparities, particularly between Black women and their white and Hispanic counterparts. Researchers have suggested that these disparities may be linked to ‘weathering’, a concept referring to premature aging due to the stress of racism and deprivation. While acknowledging the potential influence of weathering, Gyamfi-Bannerman emphasized that preterm birth is likely influenced by multiple factors.
