About a Quarter of U.S. Pregnant Women Miss Early Prenatal Care: Report Warns of Growing Risk
According to the 2025 report by the March of Dimes, around 25% of pregnant people in the United States did not begin prenatal care in the first trimester. The findings highlight deep structural barriers in maternal health, with major consequences for preterm births, infant health, and long-term equity.
Delayed or Missing Prenatal Care Is Widespread
The March of Dimes report shows a worrying trend: a substantial share of expectant mothers in the U.S. start prenatal care too late, or skip early care altogether. This marks a troubling decline in early prenatal access, raising concerns about maternal and infant health outcomes.
Experts point to systemic obstacles: in many counties, so-called “maternity care deserts”, there is no accessible prenatal or obstetric care, making early and consistent care difficult or impossible for some women.
Impact on Preterm Births and Maternal–Infant Health
The persistently high rate of delayed prenatal care contributes to the United States receiving a D+ grade in the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card.
Preterm births remain a significant problem: in 2024 the national preterm birth rate stayed at 10.4%, meaning roughly one in ten babies is born too early. That translates to around 380,000 premature births in a single year.
These outcomes disproportionately affect marginalized and underprivileged groups. The report highlights growing racial and socioeconomic disparities: babies born to mothers covered by Medicaid, or belonging to ethnic minority groups, face higher rates of preterm birth and inadequate care.
Root Causes: Structural Inequities and Access Gaps
According to the report and advocacy organizations, lack of prenatal care is not only about individual choices, it reflects systemic failures in healthcare accessibility. Many regions lack obstetric providers, certified midwives, or birthing centers altogether.
Additionally, social determinants, including insurance type, economic hardship, and geographic isolation, play a major role. Inadequate insurance coverage or reliance on public insurance programs like Medicaid correlates with lower rates of prenatal care and worse birth outcomes.
March of Dimes’ Call to Action: Expand Care, Promote Equity, Prevent Risk
The organization argues that improving maternal and infant health will require structural changes: expanding Medicaid coverage, ensuring access to prenatal care providers (especially in underserved regions), and investing in maternal health equity.
They emphasize that prenatal care isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Early and consistent prenatal treatment can reduce risks of preterm birth, complications during pregnancy, and long-term health disparities for mothers and children alike.
Conclusion: A Call for Change and Attention
The 2025 findings from March of Dimes paint a stark picture: many pregnant people in the U.S. do not receive timely prenatal care — often due to structural barriers beyond their control. The consequences echo across preterm birth rates, infant mortality, and health inequities. Without concerted efforts to improve access, support, and equity in maternal care, many families may continue to face preventable health risks.
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