Early Prenatal Care, Considered Best for Moms and Babies, Is Declining Across the U.S.

Getting care early in pregnancy can make a meaningful difference for both moms and babies. But new federal data shows that fewer women across the country are starting prenatal care in the first few months of pregnancy.

According to new numbers released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of women who began prenatal care in the first trimester dropped from 78.3% in 2021 to 75.5% in 2024.

At the same time, more women are beginning care later. The share starting prenatal visits in the second trimester rose from 15.4% to 17.3%. Those who started in the third trimester — or did not receive prenatal care at all — increased from 6.3% to 7.3%.

Doctors say this shift is worth paying attention to.

Early prenatal visits allow providers to check blood pressure, run routine labs, perform ultrasounds, and talk through nutrition, mental health, and any concerns a mom may have. These appointments are often where potential issues are first spotted — and where families can begin building a trusted relationship with their care team.

“We know that early engagement in prenatal care is linked to better overall health outcomes,” said Dr. Clayton Alfonso, an OB-GYN at Duke University. When care is delayed, he explained, providers lose valuable time to support both mom and baby.

The decline in early care appears across most racial and ethnic groups, but it has been especially noticeable among Black mothers. First-trimester care among Black women fell from 69.7% in 2021 to 65.1% in 2024. This matters because delayed prenatal care is linked to higher risks of pregnancy complications — and maternal mortality rates remain significantly higher for Black mothers.

Researchers say the findings represent a shift. Between 2016 and 2021, the country had been moving in a positive direction, with more women beginning care earlier in pregnancy.

The report does not pinpoint a single reason for the change. However, access to care is an ongoing challenge in many parts of the country. A 2024 report from the March of Dimes found that more than 35% of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts, meaning they lack a birthing facility or obstetric provider. Families in these communities often have to travel farther for appointments, which can delay care.

In some areas, hospital labor and delivery units have closed, and providers have relocated. Doctors also note that insurance coverage, including Medicaid acceptance, can make it harder for some women to secure timely appointments.

Health experts say the takeaway isn’t to create fear — but awareness. When possible, scheduling that first prenatal visit early can give families a stronger start. And if access feels difficult, it may be worth asking local clinics, community health centers, or state health departments about available options and support programs.

Small steps early on can make a meaningful difference over the course of a pregnancy — for both mom and baby.