March of Dimes 2024 Report highlights preterm birth crisis

In an interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Amanda Williams, MD, MPH, interim chief medical officer for the March of Dimes, discussed the 2024 March of Dimes report card on preterm birth in the United States.

Williams highlighted the concerning findings from the report, noting that the United States has received a D+ grade for preterm birth for the third consecutive year, with a national rate of 10.4%. This indicates that approximately 1 in 10 US babies are born preterm, totaling over 370,000 births annually. Williams explained that more than a third of the largest US cities received an F grade, indicating even higher rates of preterm birth in those areas. Shed identifies 2 primary factors contributing to this crisis: insufficient prenatal care and a rise in chronic conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which increase the risk of preterm birth.

The long-term implications for maternal and infant health are severe. Preterm babies may require neonatal intensive care, and mothers with high-risk pregnancies face increased challenges, particularly in subsequent pregnancies. To reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, Williams emphasized the importance of preterm birth prevention, which is crucial for lowering infant mortality. Effective steps include addressing chronic health conditions and ensuring adequate prenatal care through expanded access.

Williams also outlined the March of Dimes’ initiatives to support maternal health, including the use of low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia, expanding access to midwives and doulas, and advocating for supportive policies such as telehealth and adequate compensation for doulas. These initiatives aim to create a healthier environment for pregnancy, reducing both maternal and infant health risks.

Furthermore, Williams underscored that this health burden is not equally distributed across demographics. Preterm birth rates are notably higher for Black birthing individuals, who face a 1.5 times higher risk compared to others, and for those insured by Medicaid. She stressed the need for targeted strategies to reach and support the most affected populations to address these disparities effectively.