This is the Riskiest City in Pennsylvania to Have a Baby
If you’re looking to have a baby in Pennsylvania, note that it’s actually pretty risky. That’s according to the latest March of Dimes report card, which gives the state a grade of C+ for infant mortality. As bad as that sounds, it’s better than a lot of states across America, when it comes to that ranking. I’m surprised by the failing grades for states across the U.S. There are certain Pennsylvania cities that are actually the riskiest to have a baby, too.
Pennsylvania and Babies
The March of Dimes Report Card highlights key indicators that describe the state of maternal and infant health in America. “We continue to provide updated rates and grades for preterm birth and data on infant mortality and maternal health,” they state in the report. “New this year is the inclusion of maternal mortality, leading causes of infant death, and data describing selected risk factors for preterm birth.”
So, let’s get into the numbers. According to the report, the preterm birth rate in Pennsylvania was 9.6% in 2022, lower than the rate in 2021. That’s good news. But, that’s where the positive news ends. Looking at their graph, preterm birth rates have been increasing for the majority of the past decade. That’s not a trend we want to see. But, it’s promising that the rate did decline between 2021 and 2022. However, the report states that, ” Birthing people in Pennsylvania have a moderate vulnerability to poor outcomes and are most vulnerable due to mental health and substance use.” They add that, “The infant mortality rate among babies born to Black birthing people is 2x the state rate.”
Now, let’s get into the riskiest areas in Pennsylvania to have a baby. Topping the list, according to the March of Dimes, is actually Philadelphia. It has a preterm birth rate of 11.2% and grade of D-. As for counties, Philadelphia County has a D-, Delaware as a C+ and Allegheny has a C. Find the full list for Pennsylvania here.
