The number of women in the U.S. giving birth without prenatal care is increasing, despite a decrease in overall births. This trend may be due to difficulties accessing OB/GYN care, possibly stemming from the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Lack of prenatal care can have serious consequences for both mother and baby, as it can lead to undetected health problems such as high blood pressure. The number of babies born in the U.S. fell by 2% in 2023, continuing a long-term decline in births. The birthrate among teenagers also decreased, with a 4% drop in births among young women aged 15 to 19. The birthrate for 15- to 17-year-olds has remained steady since 2021, but experts are optimistic about the overall trend of declining teen pregnancies. The data, released by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, indicates a positive trend in decreasing birth rates and highlights the importance of access to prenatal care for ensuring the health of both mothers and babies.
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