Nov 18, 2025 - News
Iowa earns C- for preterm births
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There were 3,672 babies born preterm in Iowa in 2024 — a rate of 10.1%, slightly lower than the 10.4% in 2023, according to the latest March of Dimes report.
Why it matters: Preterm birth — occurring before 37 weeks — is a leading cause of infant death and lifelong health issues.
State of play: The state ranked 24th out of 52 (including D.C. and Puerto Rico) and received a C-, reflecting ongoing disparities in maternal and infant health.
- The closure of rural birthing units in Iowa is associated with poorer delivery outcomes.
The big picture: The March of Dimes says progress nationally has stalled, with systemic issues like limited access to maternal care and rising chronic conditions contributing to preterm births.
- The U.S. received a D+ for the fourth consecutive year in the annual report.