Full Breakdown
Decline in Early Prenatal Care Poses Risks for Maternal and Infant Health
2/20/2026, 2:08:19 AM
Overview of the Decline in Prenatal Care
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant decline in early prenatal care among pregnant women in the United States. The percentage of women beginning prenatal care in the first trimester fell from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024. Concurrently, the proportion of women starting care in the second trimester increased from 15.4% to 17.3%, while those receiving care in the third trimester or no care at all rose from 6.3% to 7.3%. This trend marks a reversal from the previous five years, during which early prenatal care had been on the rise.
Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
Early prenatal care is crucial for identifying potential health risks and ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Dr. Clayton Alfonso, an OB-GYN at Duke University, emphasized that delaying prenatal care can lead to missed opportunities for optimizing maternal and fetal health. The report highlights that the decline in early care is particularly pronounced among minority groups, with first-trimester care for Black mothers dropping from 69.7% to 65.1% during the same period. This is concerning given the higher maternal mortality rates among Black women.
Contributing Factors to the Decline
While the report does not specify reasons for the decline in early prenatal care, several factors have been suggested. A 2024 March of Dimes report identified that over 35% of U.S. counties are classified as maternity care deserts, lacking birthing facilities or obstetric providers. This lack of access can lead to delays in care, particularly in rural areas where patients may need to travel long distances to appointments. Dr. Grace Ferguson noted that the closure of labor and delivery units in many hospitals has exacerbated the issue, as prenatal care providers often relocate when these units shut down.
Broader Implications
The decline in early prenatal care raises concerns about the potential for increased morbidity and mortality among mothers and infants. Dr. Alfonso expressed worry about the long-term implications if this trend continues, particularly for vulnerable populations. The CDC report indicates that the decrease in early prenatal care is a nationwide issue, affecting women across various age groups and racial backgrounds.
Official Statements & Responses
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health has reiterated the importance of early and regular prenatal care, noting that babies born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are significantly more likely to experience low birth weight and higher mortality rates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the CDC report indicates a decline in early prenatal care, early data from 2025 suggests potential improvements in access. However, these findings are not yet finalized, leaving uncertainty about future trends. Additionally, factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 may have contributed to the observed delays in care, although these connections require further investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We know that early engagement in prenatal care is linked to better overall health outcomes,” — Dr. Clayton Alfonso, OB-GYN
- “I worry about kind of what that would mean for morbidity and mortality for our moms.” — Dr. Clayton Alfonso, OB-GYN
- “There’s a host of reasons why prenatal care is important. The earlier that we can get patients seen, the earlier we can start interventions that can improve these longer-term outcomes.” — Dr. Brenna Hughes, Interim Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine.
