With more than 4 million babies being born in the United States each year, you can bet there are some rather interesting and perhaps eye opening stats which we get from this high number of births.
So lets take a look at some of the more interesting facts which we are seeing from all of these births.
1. More expectant mothers are avoiding tobacco smoke. The number of mothers who are now avoiding smoke during their pregnancy has increased by almost 42 percent. This can only be good for the mothers and their healthier babies.
2. The number of c-section births continues to increase. The number of cesarean deliveries has skyrocketed by more than 40 percent in the last decade to 27 percent of births, the highest rate ever reported in the United States.
3. Although the majority of mothers are still young, the average age of first time mothers has increased, even though the number of unmarried mothers has hit a record high in the U.S.
4. Tuesday is the most popular day for babies making their arrival in the world, with Saturday being the least busiest day of the week. This is more than likely because most doctors do not schedule c-sections for Saturdays.
5. More babies are born during the hottest time of the year, with the late summer months of July-September being the most popular. Of course this is a result of what happens 9 month earlier, when the weather is colder and people are spending more time indoors where it is warmer with their loved ones
6. The U.S. States with the highest number of birth are:
- Mississippi
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Nevada
- Texas
- Utah
7. It has become apparent over the last 30 years that women seem to be waiting longer before starting their families. In 1970 the average age for a first-time mother was about 21, but in today’s world the age is 25-29.
8. It also is true that the number of women between the ages of 35-39 is higher than ever, and growing. It also is true that the number of women who are having babies between the ages of 40-44 is also on the rise, and this it seems is largely due the advances which have been made in fertility treatment.
9. id you know that 36 percent of U.S. babies were born to unmarried women? That’s around 1.5million babies to unmarried mothers!
10. More and more mothers are now actively seeking prenatal care. This can help women have a healthier pregnancy and healthier babies. About 84 percent of women sought out prenatal care in their first trimester in 2003 and 2004, with more than 11 percent improvement since 1990.
11. The average weight gain for expecting mothers in the U.S. was around 30 pounds during their pregnancy.
12. 99 percent of women give birth in the hospital, with 91 percent of those being assisted by a physician. However, there is a definite increase in the number of women who are choosing other methods and providers, such as.
13. The number of women whose labor is induced has more than doubled since 1990, to about 10 percent of births.
14. Boy babies outnumber girl babies, This ratio has stayed the same though over the last 6 decades.
15. The number of multiple births has increased by more than 400 percent, yes, that’s right, 400 percent over the last 20 years.
16. The number of babies which are being born prematurely has risen. This is because of the rise in twin births and in thee increase in scheduled caesarean births
