Summary
Preterm birth rates in the United States are rising, especially in Southern states. The national average for preterm births in 2024 was 10.4%. States like Mississippi and Louisiana have higher rates, while New Hampshire has the lowest rate.
Key Facts
- Preterm birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- The U.S. national average preterm birth rate for 2024 was 10.4%.
- Southern states like Mississippi (15%) and Louisiana (14%) have the highest preterm birth rates.
- New Hampshire has the lowest preterm birth rate at 7.9%.
- Factors like obesity, hypertension, poverty, and limited healthcare access contribute to higher preterm rates in some states.
- Preterm birth rates in the U.S. have increased from 9.6% in 2014 to 10.4% in recent years.
- Only 11 states met the Healthy People 2030 preterm birth rate target of 9.4%.
