Vermont is the only state in the nation to receive an “A” grade for maternal and infant health on the 2024 March of Dimes Report Card, according to a news release.
The March of Dimes report evaluates maternal and infant health in all 50 states, using key indicators such as preterm birth rates, access to prenatal care and the availability of resources for maternal and infant health.
Vermont’s grade of A reflects the state’s efforts to reduce disparities and ensure all birthing parents and babies receive the care they need for a healthy start, according to the March of Dimes.
Hospitals across the state receive training from University of Vermont Health Network experts in recognizing the signs of high-risk pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, hypertension, diabetes and substance use disorders. This outreach not only helps health care providers recognize the risks early, but also increases awareness among parents about the factors that can lead to high-risk pregnancies.
“Clinicians in the division of neonatal-perinatal medicine participate in outreach and skills trainings on site at all birthing hospitals in the state, teaching the newest methods for neonatal resuscitation and stabilization to improve outcomes,” Dr. Deirdre O’Reilly, a neonatologist and associate professor of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine, said in a statement.
Vermont achieves top grade despite having a large rural population
Vermont’s preterm birth rate of 7.7% is “notably lower” than the national average, according to a press release. As one of the most critical indicators of maternal and infant health, the state’s efforts to reduce this rate have had a wide-ranging impact:
- Vermont ranks among the best in the nation with an infant mortality rate of 4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Vermont’s rate of low-risk caesarean births was 23.7% in 2023, well below the national average of 26.6%. Unnecessary caesarean sections can lead to complications for both mothers and babies.
- Vermont has adopted several policies that support maternal and infant health, such as Medicaid expansion, which improves access to preventive care, and a paid family leave policy, which helps families during parental leave.
More:Vermont women have few options if they don’t want to give birth in hospitals
The March of Dimes report notes one of the most impressive aspects of Vermont’s success is its ability to achieve these outcomes despite having a large rural population. The Vermont Child Health Improvement Program and UVM Health Network work together to ensure all patients, regardless of where they are, can access the best possible care, using a referral network, the report stated.
Eight states − Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia − received an “F” grade on the March of Dimes Report Card for their high rates of preterm births, as well as other factors. Mississippi has the highest preterm birth rate in the country at 15%. Puerto Rico also received a grade of F, with a 12.2% preterm birth rate.
Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT.
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