US Sees Drop in Early Prenatal Care, Health Concerns Rise

Early engagement in prenatal care has seen a significant decline in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the proportion of births attended by women who began prenatal care in their first trimester fell from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024. During the same period, care initiated in the second trimester increased from 15.4% to 17.3%, and care beginning in the third trimester or not at all rose from 6.3% to 7.3%.

This trend, which impacts nearly all racial and ethnic groups, is particularly pronounced among minority populations. For instance, first-trimester care for Black mothers decreased from 69.7% to 65.1% between 2021 and 2024, a concerning development given the higher rates of maternal mortality among this group. The report indicates a reversal from previous years (2016-2021) when early prenatal care was improving.

Several factors may contribute to this shift, including the growing prevalence of "maternity care deserts," where hospitals have closed labor and delivery units, reducing access to prenatal providers. Additionally, post-Roe v. Wade abortion restrictions might cause some obstetricians to avoid practicing in states with stringent laws, further limiting care. Access issues, such as longer travel distances and insurance difficulties, particularly for those with Medicaid, also play a role, especially in rural areas.

Health professionals are concerned that if this downward trend in early prenatal care continues, it could lead to worse health outcomes for mothers and infants, including increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Early visits are crucial for identifying potential problems, offering health guidance, and conducting essential screenings and physical examinations.