Early, high-quality prenatal care is critical to reducing risks for complications of pregnancy or birth and improving birth outcomes.

In 2021, in Norfolk County, rates of early prenatal care were lower among African American (82%) and Latino (87%) births compared to Asian and white births (both at 92%). Norfolk County rates among all groups were higher than those at the state and national levels, which showed similar racial and ethnic disparities.

Norfolk County also had higher rates among all racial and ethnic groups compared to Essex and Middlesex counties. Its rate for Latino births was 8 points higher than Essex County at 79% and 10 points higher than Middlesex at 77%. Norfolk's rate for African American births was similar to Essex at 81% and higher than Middlesex at 74%.

Researchers have uncovered a number of factors contributing to generally lower rates of early prenatal care among mothers of color. These include: socioeconomic characteristics like education and family income; maternal health and characteristics of pregnancies (such as maternal age and number of previous pregnancies); types of insurance coverage - whether women are covered by Medicaid, private insurance, or have no coverage; and the location of prenatal care facilities - in physicians' offices and public health clinics. One study found socioeconomic differences were responsible for roughly half the gap -- pregnant women with lower incomes and levels of formal education often do not have the resources necessary to obtain care early and often - but that public programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children increased access to care.

The rate excludes live births for which the date of entry into prenatal care is unknown. In addition to considering when prenatal care began, it is also important to understand the quality and continuity of care received throughout the pregnancy.