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West Virginia Maternal Health Scorecard

West Virginia Births

In 2024, over 35,000 babies were born in West Virginia. Birth certificate data
are comprehensive of all births in the state and provide information on select
risk factors in pregnancy, obstetric procedures, and maternal and newborn outcomes.

Annual Births
Number of births in Arkansas, by year 35,395
35,3952024
2017
37,520
Low-Risk Cesarean Birth
Percent of low-risk births delivered via cesarean section
27.9%2024
2017
37,520
Preterm Birth
Percent of babies born before 37 weeks gestation
12.1%2024
2017
37,520

About These Data

These data are publicly available and obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WONDER information system. Counties with a population of less than 100,000 are not identified in CDC WONDER data to preserve individual privacy. Based on population, county-level data are only available for six counties in West Virginia.

What These Data Tell Us

Birth records are a comprehensive source of data on demographics, experiences during pregnancy and delivery, and health indicators for the newborn, recorded by parents and the healthcare team. Registering births is legally mandated; hence, birth records represent nearly every birth occurring in the state. While birth records provide essential health information about the mother and the infant, it is important to note that birth records only provide a snapshot of their health at the time of birth and do not reflect any health problems that may develop in the weeks or months following birth. Additionally, birth certificates collect limited data about social, economic, and behavioral risk factors that can impact the health of mothers and babies.

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In 2024, over a quarter of mothers in West Virginia did not receive any prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy. Early and regular prenatal care improves the probability of healthy pregnancies. Healthcare providers may conduct physical examinations, imaging, blood and urine tests, and weight checks to monitor the health of both mothers and babies. Timely prenatal visits can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and the infant’s risk of preventable health issues by addressing health conditions (such as hypertension and diabetes) and risk factors (such as diet and environment), which can support parents in preparing for a healthy birth. Increasing the proportion of pregnant women who receive early and adequate prenatal care is a Healthy People 2030 goal.

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According to the Department of Health and Human Services, teenagers who give birth are less likely to finish high school, more likely to need public assistance, and more likely to have a lowered income as an adult. Teen birth has negative consequences for children as well. Children of adolescent mothers have higher rates of infant mortality, are less likely to graduate high school, and are more likely to be teen parents themselves.

In 2024, West Virginia had the second-highest rate of teen pregnancies in the country. Preventing teen pregnancies through evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs, family planning services, and mass media campaigns is a Healthy People 2030 goal.

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According to the Department of Health and Human Services, teenagers who give birth are less likely to finish high school, more likely to need public assistance, and more likely to have a lowered income as an adult. Teen birth has negative consequences for children as well. Children of adolescent mothers have higher rates of infant mortality, are less likely to graduate high school, and are more likely to be teen parents themselves.

In 2024, West Virginia had the second-highest rate of teen pregnancies in the country. Preventing teen pregnancies through evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs, family planning services, and mass media campaigns is a Healthy People 2030 goal.

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According to the Department of Health and Human Services, teenagers who give birth are less likely to finish high school, more likely to need public assistance, and more likely to have a lowered income as an adult. Teen birth has negative consequences for children as well. Children of adolescent mothers have higher rates of infant mortality, are less likely to graduate high school, and are more likely to be teen parents themselves.

In 2024, West Virginia had the second-highest rate of teen pregnancies in the country. Preventing teen pregnancies through evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs, family planning services, and mass media campaigns is a Healthy People 2030 goal.

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The health of mothers and babies are closely connected. Tracking newborn outcomes can help with the identification opportunities to make timely interventions at the community level.  Reducing preterm births is a Healthy People 2030 goal.

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