April 4, 2024 | Michelle J.K. Osterman, M.H.S., Brady E. Hamilton, Ph.D., Joyce A. Martin, M.P.H., Anne K. Driscoll, Ph.D., and Claudia P. Valenzuela, M.P.H.
The report presents detailed data on births in the United States for 2022, including trends in fertility patterns and maternal and infant characteristics. In 2022, there were 3,667,758 births, similar to the number in 2021. The general fertility rate decreased by 1% to 56.0 births per 1,000 females ages 15–44, while the birth rate for females ages 15–19 decreased by 2%. The total fertility rate declined slightly to 1,666.5 births per 1,000 women. Birth rates for unmarried women decreased by 2%, while those for married women increased by 1%. Prenatal care initiation in the first trimester decreased to 77.0%, and the percentage of women who smoked during pregnancy decreased to 3.7%. The cesarean delivery rate remained unchanged at 32.1%, and Medicaid was the source of payment for 41.3% of births. The preterm birth rate decreased by 1% to 10.38%, while the low birthweight rate increased by 1% to 8.60%. The twin birth rate remained stable at 31.2 per 1,000 births. The report also provides state-specific data and trends from 2010 to 2022.The report presents detailed data on births in the United States for 2022, including trends in fertility patterns and maternal and infant characteristics. In 2022, there were 3,667,758 births, similar to the number in 2021. The general fertility rate decreased by 1% to 56.0 births per 1,000 females ages 15–44, while the birth rate for females ages 15–19 decreased by 2%. The total fertility rate declined slightly to 1,666.5 births per 1,000 women. Birth rates for unmarried women decreased by 2%, while those for married women increased by 1%. Prenatal care initiation in the first trimester decreased to 77.0%, and the percentage of women who smoked during pregnancy decreased to 3.7%. The cesarean delivery rate remained unchanged at 32.1%, and Medicaid was the source of payment for 41.3% of births. The preterm birth rate decreased by 1% to 10.38%, while the low birthweight rate increased by 1% to 8.60%. The twin birth rate remained stable at 31.2 per 1,000 births. The report also provides state-specific data and trends from 2010 to 2022.