Starting prenatal care late in pregnancy is becoming increasingly common in the United States, as highlighted by a recent report. Dr. L. Joy Baker, an obstetrician-gynecologist in LaGrange, Georgia, observes that many women seek prenatal care only days or weeks before childbirth, sometimes in their third trimester or even at 39 weeks, leaving little time for essential health assessments, reports BritPanorama.
The March of Dimes report released this week reveals a concerning trend: only about 75% of infants born in the past year were delivered by mothers who started prenatal care in the first trimester. Delays in seeking prenatal care can lead to significant health risks for both mothers and infants.
Dr. Michael Warren, the chief medical officer of February of Dimes, expressed concern that for over 25% of women in the U.S., their initial prenatal visit is occurring well into their second or third trimester. “Getting that prenatal care started early is important,” he stated, pointing out that it allows healthcare providers to manage chronic issues and identify potential risks sooner.
The reasons behind this trend are multifaceted and often systemic. Barriers such as limited access to care, particularly in maternity care deserts, where over a third of U.S. counties lack sufficient healthcare providers, compound the issue. In these areas, pregnant women often face longer travel times to healthcare facilities, increasing the likelihood of seeking care late.
Dr. Baker reports that many women cite difficulties in accessing health benefits and issues such as housing and food insecurity as reasons for their delayed care. “When they have chronic conditions or even conditions that started in pregnancy – like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes – the earlier that we know, the better we’re able to treat,” she explained.
A major risk to mom and baby
Inadequate or delayed prenatal care poses serious risks, potentially resulting in complications or maternal death. This contributes significantly to the poor state of maternal health across the country. Continuing on this issue, Warren indicated that Medicaid is instrumental as more than 40% of births in the U.S. are covered by this insurance. However, disparities in care remain prevalent, particularly among women on Medicaid, leading to higher rates of preterm births.
The March of Dimes report gave the U.S. a D+ grade for maintaining a preterm birth rate of 10.4% for three consecutive years. The report illustrates the correlation between inadequate care and heightened risks, as observed in the Southeast, where chronic conditions ripple through maternal health indices.
In response to these challenges, various states have initiated proactive measures. For instance, Illinois has set up case management programs that offer assistance to pregnant women facing socioeconomic challenges. These targeted interventions aim to provide comprehensive support and improve maternal outcomes.
Warren emphasized the urgency of addressing these systemic issues, warning that without significant changes, current trends threaten to worsen maternal and infant mortality rates. “Every year in this country, we lose over 20,000 babies in their first year of life. We lose over 600 mothers during pregnancy or in the year following childbirth,” he concluded. The ongoing health crisis makes it clear that ensuring access to essential prenatal care remains a critical societal obligation.
