Sharp Increase in US Infant Mortality Rate: Largest in 20 Years, CDC Reports

The U.S. infant mortality rate has increased by 3% in 2022, marking the largest rise in over two decades, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The national rate now stands at 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. Factors contributing to the increase include maternal complications and bacterial meningitis, with different racial groups experiencing varying rates of infant mortality. Experts suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stress may have played a role in the rise, as stressors during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and low birth weight. The March of Dimes expressed disappointment and highlighted the need to understand how stress affects pregnancy and its potential impact on specific complications.