The 2024 March of Dimes Report Card highlights key indicators to describe the current state of maternal and infant health. We continue to provide updated rates and grades for preterm birth as well as data on infant mortality, leading causes of infant death, and maternal health. Indicators by maternal race/ethnicity are included to underscore the persistent impact of racism in our systems and communities, with the goal of eliminating health inequities. The 2024 Report Card now examines supportive midwifery policies and those aimed to increase screening for postpartum depression, which can help to bolster the obstetric workforce and achieve equity in maternal and infant health outcomes. The detailed analyses in the report help inform policies and programs that move us towards improving the health of birthing people and the millions of babies born each year in the US, DC, and Puerto Rico.
Infant Health
The preterm birth grade was D+ in 2023; the worst grades occurred in the southern region of the US
Preterm Birth
The preterm birth rate was 10.4% in 2023, no change from 2022
Preterm birth rate by year, 2013 to 2023
The presence of purple (darker color) indicates a significant trend (p <= 0.05)
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, Natality data, 2013-2023; National Center for Health Statistics, US Territories Natality data, 2023.