Which U.S. States Are Failing Their Newborns? Study Reveals Shocking Disparity in Birth Weights Across the Nation

Low birth weight remains one of the most persistent indicators of maternal and infant health disparities in the United States. Despite decades of progress in prenatal care and education, some states continue to face alarmingly high rates of babies born under 5 pounds 8 ounces — a threshold associated with increased health risks and long-term developmental challenges. A new study from the Birth Injury Lawyers Group shines a spotlight on where those challenges are most severe, ranking the states struggling most with low birth weight outcomes.

• Mississippi has the highest low birth weight rate of 13.4%.
• Louisiana (second) and Georgia (third) followed closely, with average low birth weight rates of 12.2% and 11.5%, respectively.
• Vermont reported 5.2% low birth weight, the lowest among all the U.S. states.

A new study reveals that Mississippi has the highest low birth weight rates in the U.S.

The research by the personal injury law firm Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed low birth weight (less than 5 lbs 8oz)  data across different maternal age groups, sourced from America’s Health Rankings. The average low birth weight rates were calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest rates across all maternal age groups.

Mississippi leads the nation with the highest low birth weight rate of 13.4%, 4.2% above the national average of 9.2%. Mothers aged 15-19 have the highest rate at 15%, while mothers aged 25-29 have the lowest rate at 11.8%.

Louisiana ranks second with a low birth weight rate of 12.2%, approximately 3% above the national average of 9.2%. Mothers aged 40-44 have the highest low birth weight rate at 13.7%, while mothers aged 25-29 have the lowest rate at 10.4%.

Georgia comes in third with an average low birth weight rate of 11.5%, 2.3% above the national average. Mothers aged 40-44 have the highest rate, at 14%, while mothers aged 25-29 and 30-34 have the lowest rate, at 9.7%.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Birth Injury Lawyer commented,

“The data reveals that Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia reported the highest low birth weight rates in the U.S.

“Low birth weight often results from factors such as inadequate prenatal care, maternal health conditions, smoking, poor nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. These statistics highlight significant public health challenges that require immediate attention and intervention. States with higher rates of poverty, limited healthcare access, and higher rates of maternal health complications often see elevated low birth weight rates.

“While some risk factors are unavoidable, expectant mothers are advised to seek early and regular prenatal care, maintain proper nutrition, avoid smoking and alcohol, manage chronic health conditions, and work closely with healthcare providers throughout pregnancy to optimize birth outcomes.”

Ranked fourth, Alabama reported an average low birth weight rate of 11.2%, 2% above the national average. Mothers aged 40-44 have the highest rate, at 13.5%, while mothers aged 25-29 have the lowest rate, at 9.6%.

West Virginia rounds out the top five with an average low birth weight rate of 11.1%, exceeding the national average by 1.9%. Mothers aged 40-44 have the highest low birth weight rate at 15.1%, while mothers aged 30-34 have the lowest rate at 9.3%.

South Carolina (6th) has an average low birth weight rate of 10.8%, followed by New Mexico (7th) at 10.6%, Colorado (8th) at 10.4%, Nevada (9th) at 10.2%, and Arkansas (10th) at 10.1%.

Table of Extended Results:

The study was conducted by Birth Injury Lawyers Group, a nationwide group of lawyers that specializes in advocating for families whose children have suffered injuries at birth due to medical malpractice or errors.

While the numbers alone are sobering, the broader message is one of awareness and urgency. Factors like access to prenatal care, socioeconomic inequality, and maternal health conditions continue to shape these outcomes — but they also point toward areas where targeted interventions can make the greatest difference. For public health officials, care providers, and families alike, studies like this serve as both a warning and a roadmap for improving birth outcomes across the nation.