A new study highlighted that West Virginia records the highest likelihood of complicated pregnancies nationwide, based on state-level maternal health risks among women of childbearing age.
Key Highlights
- West Virginia ranks first with the highest pregnancy risk score of 80.94 out of 100.
- Ohio and Montana follow in second and third place with scores of 80.65 and 79.54, respectively.
- At the other end of the scale, Utah ranks last with a pregnancy risk score of just 44.46.
Table of Contents
The research by the Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed five years of data from the March of Dimes PeriStats database, focusing on three major maternal-risk indicators linked to pregnancy complications: obesity ( score out of 30), binge alcohol use (score out of 35), and smoking rates (score out of 35). Each risk factor was scored and combined into a 100-point Pregnancy Risk Score, ranking all 50 U.S. states from highest to lowest risk.
West Virginia ranks first with the Pregnancy Risk Score of 80.94 out of 100. Between 2019 and 2023, the state reported 39.48% obesity, 12.96% binge alcohol use, and 25.46% smoking among women of childbearing age. Correspondingly, the Mountain State received an Obesity Score of 27 out of 30, a Binge Alcohol Score of 18 out of 35, and a Smoking Score of 35 out of 35.
Ohio ranks second with a Pregnancy Risk Score of 80.65 out of 100. Between 2019 and 2023, the state reported 36.20% obesity, 20.84% binge alcohol use, and 18.74% smoking. The Buckeye State received an Obesity Score of 25 out of 30, a Binge Alcohol Score of 30 out of 35, and a Smoking Score of 26 out of 35.
Montana ranks third with a Pregnancy Risk Score of 79.54 out of 100. Between 2019 and 2023, the state reported 28.96% obesity, 24.56% binge alcohol use, and 17.74% smoking. Correspondingly, the Treasure State received an Obesity Score of 20 out of 30, a Binge Alcohol Score of 35 out of 35, and a Smoking Score of 24 out of 35.
Arkansas ranks fifth with the Pregnancy Risk Score of 78.75 out of 100. Between 2019 and 2023, the state reported 41.44% obesity, 17.30% binge alcohol use, and 18.38% smoking. The Natural State received an Obesity Score of 29 out of 30, a Binge Alcohol Score of 25 out of 35, and a Smoking Score of 25 out of 35.
Missouri ranks sixth with a Pregnancy Risk Score of 78.21, followed by North Dakota, which ranks seventh with a score of 78. South Dakota ranks eighth with a Pregnancy Risk Score of 77.99, Kentucky ranks ninth with 77.82, and Louisiana, in tenth spot, recorded a Score of 76.34.
Table of Extended Results
The study was conducted by Birth Injury Lawyers Group, a nationwide network of lawyers dedicated to advocating for families affected by medical negligence.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Birth Injury Lawyers Group commented:
“These findings shine a spotlight on the states where women face the greatest barriers to healthy pregnancies. High obesity, smoking, and alcohol-use rates reflect significant public-health gaps that directly affect maternal and infant outcomes.
“Understanding these disparities is crucial in guiding better prenatal care and targeted interventions, especially in regions showing persistent risk patterns.”
Iowa ranks fourth with a Pregnancy Risk Score of 79.01 out of 100. Between 2019 and 2023, the state reported 36.62% obesity, 23.56% binge alcohol use, and 14.52% smoking among women of childbearing age. Correspondingly, the Hawkeye State received an Obesity Score of 25 out of 30, a Binge Alcohol Score of 34 out of 35, and a Smoking Score of 20 out of 35.
Methodology
Maternal-health data were sourced from the March of Dimes PeriStats database, analyzing state-level obesity, binge alcohol use, and smoking rates among women of childbearing age (2019–2023). Each factor was converted into a standardized score:
- Obesity Score (0–30)
- Binge Alcohol Score (0–35)
- Smoking Score (0–35)
These were combined to create a 100-point Pregnancy Risk Score. States were ranked from highest to lowest to determine where women are statistically most likely to experience complicated pregnancies.
Complicated Pregnancies Across the Nation
According to the March of Dimes Report Card, the preterm birth rate has been 10.4% for three years in a row, with more states experiencing preterm birth worsening more than improving in the past year: 19 improved, 21 worsened, and 12 states had no change in rates. In 2024, the preterm birth grade was a D+, with over half of the states across the nation receiving a D or an F.
Preterm Birth Rate Report Card For The U.S.
The rate of major pregnancy complications in the U.S. is estimated to be around 13%, with about 6-8% of all pregnancies classified as high-risk. However, specific complication rates have been rising in recent years, with some reports indicating a more than 16% increase in pregnancy and childbirth complications between 2014 and 2018.
Specific Complication Rates and Trends
- Major complications: A study found that approximately 13% of births in the U.S. involved at least one major complication.
- High-risk pregnancies: About 6% to 8% of all pregnancies are considered high-risk.
- Trend: Rates of various pregnancy and childbirth complications have been rising, with some data showing a more than 16% increase between 2014 and 2018.
Contributing Factors and Considerations
- Varying hospital rates: The rate of major obstetrical complications can vary significantly between different hospitals.
- Pre-existing conditions: Some complications are related to health problems that existed before pregnancy.
- Unavoidable complications: Other complications can occur unexpectedly and are unavoidable.
- Maternal mortality: The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. has been increasing, with a rate of 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.
- Demographic disparities: Maternal mortality rates are significantly higher for certain groups, including non-Hispanic Black women and women aged 40 and over.
For personalized guidance on your specific situation, it is best to consult a medical provider.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk in collaboration with Rohda Amoako on behalf of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, which dedicates its time to helping parents of injured children fight for their rights, offering hope and possible financial compensation to families who have been harmed by a medical mistake.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Content may be edited for style and length.
References/Sources/Materials provided by:
- Obesity (Women of Childbearing Age): https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?top=27&lev=1&stop=350®=99&sreg=01&obj=8&slev=4
- Binge Alcohol Use: https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?top=9&lev=1&stop=143®=99&sreg=01&obj=8&slev=4
- Smoking Rates: https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?top=9&lev=1&stop=146®=99&sreg=01&obj=8&slev=4
- Research Dataset: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bZpmv0W3Vcf-llHIO7lYx9hhOjv5AyYHyhhqFUSX22E/edit?gid=0#gid=0
- Study by: http://www.birthinjurylawyer.com
