The number of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States has seen a significant rise from 2016 to 2023, according to a new data brief released by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

The report, authored by Joyce A. Martin, M.P.H., and Michelle J.K. Osterman from the NCHS in Hyattsville, Maryland, highlights worrying trends in newborn health. Drawing on data from the National Vital Statistics System, the researchers found that NICU admissions rose from 8.7 percent in 2016 to 9.8 percent in 2023 — marking a 13 percent increase over seven years.

The rise in NICU admissions was observed across all categories, including maternal age, race, Hispanic origin, gestational age, birth weight, and geographical location. Notably, the largest increases were recorded among infants born to American Indian and Alaska Native non-Hispanic mothers, as well as White and Black non-Hispanic mothers.

The data showed that NICU admissions have grown regardless of gestational age or birth weight. Preterm and low-birth-weight infants remain the most vulnerable, but even full-term babies have seen increasing NICU admissions, indicating broader health concerns.

State-level data also revealed that most U.S. states experienced rising NICU admission rates during the study period, reflecting a national trend that experts believe could be linked to factors such as maternal health complications, rising rates of chronic illnesses in pregnancy, and healthcare access disparities.

“Nearly one in 10 infants (9.8 percent) was admitted to a NICU in 2023, an increase of 13 percent from 2016,” the authors wrote. “Increases from 2016 to 2023 were seen for each maternal age, race and Hispanic-origin group, gestational age and birth-weight category, and among most U.S. states.”

The report underscores the need for continued investment in maternal and child health initiatives, early intervention, and strategies aimed at reducing preventable NICU admissions.