Rise in preterm birth rate ‘concerning’

March of Dimes report: ’21 levels hit 14-year high

Preterm births last year reached their highest peak since 2007 – with more than 383,000 born before 37 weeks of gestational age in the United States, according to a new report.

In 2021, roughly 10.5% of babies were born premature, according to the annual March of Dimes “Report Card,” which rated the U.S. a D+. The score dropped from its C- rating in 2020.

The report released this month found disparities widened between white mothers and Native and Black mothers, who are already 62% more likely to have a preterm birth and nearly three times as likely as white moms to die of childbirth-related causes. In 2021, Black mothers saw a 3% increase and Native mothers a 6% increase in preterm births, according to the analysis.

Of all groups, Asian and Pacific Islander mothers saw the largest increase – 8% – even though births to Asian mothers fell that year, and they have the lowest preterm birth rate overall.

Experts say the pandemic may have contributed significantly to the rising preterm birth rates, and the findings signal a need for more efforts toward ensuring equitable prenatal care access.

Preterm births can be caused by health conditions in the birthing parent, like high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as stress, problems with the uterus or placenta, infection or inflammation. Being born premature can lead to significant developmental complications including undeveloped respiratory systems causing breathing problems, and hearing, vision and behavioral issues.

“Any increase in preterm birth is concerning because of the downstream effects on the infant after a preterm delivery,” said Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San Diego.