Texas received a “D” in the March of Dimes annual report on maternal and infant health. This rating stems from a pre-term birth rate of 11.1% for babies born in 2024, holding steady from the previous year. In comparison, the overall U.S. rate was 10.4%, which earned a slightly better grade of D-plus.
A higher rate of pre-term births can lead to serious health risks for infants, including increased mortality and developmental delays. Recently, the March of Dimes announced plans to target this issue in Texas.
Looking at demographics, disparities are evident. While white and Asian mothers had pre-term rates below 10%, the rate for Black mothers was nearly 15%. The infant mortality rate for babies born to Black mothers was significantly higher as well. Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical officer for March of Dimes, highlights that women of color often face worse outcomes, even when factors like education and income are considered. He calls for further research into how bias in prenatal care may contribute to these disparities.
Another significant finding is that about 23% of Texas mothers did not receive prenatal care until the fifth month of pregnancy, compared to 16% nationwide. Dr. Warren stressed the importance of early care for the health of both mothers and babies, calling these missed opportunities detrimental.
On a brighter note, Texas performed better than the national average in severe maternal morbidity, which refers to serious health complications during and after childbirth. In 2023, Texas extended Medicaid coverage for a year after delivery, a move seen as positive in supporting maternal health.
Travis County showed a slight improvement over the state average, with a grade of C-plus and a 9.5% pre-term birth rate, though this was an uptick from the previous year.
As states look for solutions to improve these critical health outcomes, the push for equitable care becomes more important. Understanding and addressing the systemic issues can lead to better health for mothers and infants alike.
For more insights into maternal and infant health, read the full March of Dimes report here.
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