CDC report finds decline in early prenatal care in the U.S.
The CDC's recent review reveals a concerning decline in early prenatal care among U.S. women, with more delaying or skipping initial visits, especially among younger mothers, from 2016 to 2024.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a review of prenatal care trends in the U.S. Among the findings, was that the number of women seeking early pregnancy care is decreasing.
Instead, more women are beginning to seek care during their second and third trimesters, or not at all. The study evaluated data from 2016-2024. Additional key findings:
The percentage of mothers getting care early in their pregnancies rose from 2016-2021 before declining.
The percentage of mothers under 20 years of age getting care before their second trimester began dropped by more than 50%.
18% of mothers in all age groups begin their prenatal care during their third trimesters, or not at all.
36 states and the District of Columbia saw rises in late or no prenatal care trends from 2021-2024.
