The study by researchers at Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed preterm birth data for each state from the National Center for Health Statistics between 2018 and 2022. The five-year average preterm birth rate for each state was calculated to reveal the top 10 states in the U.S. with babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Kentucky ranks eighth with an 11.47% average preterm birth rate. In 2020, Kentucky reached its lowest rate of 11.05%, but by 2021, that figure rose to 11.97%—the highest in the five-year window(2018 to 2022).
On the other end of the spectrum, Vermont has the lowest preterm birth rate (8.28%), approximately 2% lower than the national average of 10.28%.
Top 10 States With Highest Preterm Birth Rates
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Mississippi – 14.56% average preterm births
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Louisiana – 13.17% average preterm births
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Alabama – 12.77% average preterm births
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West Virginia – 12.44% average preterm births
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Arkansas – 11.83% average preterm births
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Georgia – 11.67% average preterm births
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South Carolina – 11.66% average preterm births
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Kentucky – 11.47% average preterm births
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Oklahoma – 11.46% average preterm births
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Tennessee – 11.10% average preterm births
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Birth Injury Lawyers Group commented,
“The study indicates how Southern states like Mississippi (13.68%) and Louisiana (13.19%) have the highest preterm birth rates, reflecting systemic inequities and healthcare disparities. Mississippi, with 37.9% of its population being Black, and Georgia (33%) highlight how racial disparities amplify risks, as Black women face higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and limited healthcare access. These issues are compounded by poverty and inadequate prenatal care in these regions. In contrast, states like Vermont (8.28%) and Oregon (8.38%) benefit from better healthcare systems and maternal health programs.
“Notably, nine of the ten states with the highest rates recorded their peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that limited exercise and reduced social interaction between 2020 and 2021 may have contributed to adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased risk of preterm labor.
“Addressing these disparities requires systemic reforms, equitable healthcare access, and improved support for maternal and neonatal health.”
Table of extended results
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Top 10 States With the Highest Preterm Birth Rates in the U.S. |
||
|
State |
5-Year Average % (2018-2022) |
Rank |
|
Mississippi |
14.556 |
1 |
|
Louisiana |
13.17 |
2 |
|
Alabama |
12.77 |
3 |
|
West Virginia |
12.44 |
4 |
|
Arkansas |
11.83 |
5 |
|
Georgia |
11.67 |
6 |
|
South Carolina |
11.66 |
7 |
|
Kentucky |
11.47 |
8 |
|
Oklahoma |
11.46 |
9 |
|
Tennessee |
11.10 |
10 |
The study was conducted by Birth Injury Lawyers Group, a nationwide group of lawyers that specializes in advocating for families whose children have suffered injuries at birth due to medical malpractice or errors.
Source
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Preterm birth rate data → https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/preterm_births/preterm.htm
Research
Methodology
The research analyzed preterm birth data for each state between 2018 and 2022 from the National Center for Health Statistics. The five-year average preterm birth rates for each state was calculated to reveal the top 10 states in the U.S. with babies born prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Resources