U.S. Birth Weights Dropping Due to Earlier Delivery

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

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U.S. Birth Weights Dropping Due to Earlier Delivery

Feb 11, 2020, 10:29 AM by MSDC Staff

Across the U.S. the average birth rate is dropping due to earlier deliveries, but not significantly enough to indicate more unhealthy pregnancies.

New analysis of CDC data shows that the average birth weight of U.S. babies has actually dropped in the last few decades, but not enough to cause a public health concern.

Between 1990 and 2013, the average weight of a newborn baby dropped 2.4 ounces - from 7.31 pounds to 7.16 pounds. This is based on analysis done by researchers from the University of Colorado from CDC data (see WashPost story here).

During the same time period, the percentage that a birth would occur at 40 weeks dropped (29% -> 18%) while the percentage chance that a birth would occur in weeks 37-39 increased (38% -> 49%). Researchers point to the increase in Caesarean sections and induce labor during this period for the shift in birth weight and earlier deliveries. However, the 7.16 pound average birth weight is well above the medically accepted boundary of 5 pounds, 8 ounces for low birth rate.

While c-section births are safe medical procedures, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) recognize that the rise in c-section rates may have external factors. Their 2014 Obstetric Care Consensus (reaffirmed in 2019) points to different strategies to reduce unnecessary c-sections.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.