Birth Rate and Prenatal Care Declined in 2023, Says CDC Report

While this percentage may seem small, prenatal care is vital during pregnancy. Early and comprehensive prenatal care is essential for monitoring and managing risk factors and health conditions, as well as promoting healthy behaviors throughout pregnancy, as outlined in a study from Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology in June 2019.

The report also showed an increase in individuals delaying prenatal care until later trimesters. The percentage of individuals seeking care in the first trimester decreased from 78.3% in 2021 to 76.1% in 2023. Late or lack of care levels have been steadily rising since 2016.

The reasons for these concerning trends were not provided in the report. While financial, socioeconomic, and racial disparities have historically contributed to limited access to proper care, the current decline in numbers is still under investigation.

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Birth and fertility rates declined, too

The U.S. witnessed a decrease in birth and fertility rates last year. In 2023, just under 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S., marking a 2% decline from 2022. The fertility rate also dropped by 3%, from 56 births per 1,000 females aged 15 to 44 in 2022 to 54.5 births per 1,000 in 2023.

These declines have been ongoing since 2007, with a 17% decrease in births and a 21% decline in the general fertility rate, as reported. Despite a slight increase in births in 2021 following COVID-19 lockdowns, the overall trend has been downward.

The report also highlighted a continuing decline in teen birth rates, down 4% in teens aged 15 to 19 from 2022 to 2023.

To find free or reduced-cost prenatal care, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website, or call 1-800-311-2229 to connect with a health department in your area. You can also find low-cost or free prenatal care at certain Planned Parenthood clinics.