Births Data Summary

Natality 1995-2022

Summary:    This dataset reports statistics for births occurring within the United States to U.S. residents. Data are available by a variety of demographic characteristics, such as state and county of residence, mother's race, and mother's age, and health and medical items. The data are derived from birth certificates issued in years 1995-2022. For documentation on expanded data categories available for 2016 and later years, see Natality 2016-2022 (expanded). See Natality Information for links to the online databases.

Privacy policy: Statistics representing fewer than ten (one to nine) births or persons are suppressed. See Assurance of Confidentiality for more information.

Population:    Live births in the United States, 1995-2022.
Source:   

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). National Vital Statistics System, Natality on CDC WONDER Online Database. Data are from the Natality Records 1995-2022, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program.

In WONDER:    You can produce tables, maps, charts, and data extracts. Request national, state and county summary counts of live births since 1995. Calculate birth rates (normalized to the total population) and fertility rates (normalized to females age 15 - 44 years old), as well as other measures. Limit and index your data by any and all of these variables:

  • Mother's residence:
    Location - National, Regional, Division, State and County (total population of 100,000 or more; no territories) of mother's legal residence at the time of birth. Urbanization and Metro/Nonmetro categories are also available for mother's county of residence, in the classifications for 2006 and 2013.
  • Mother's Characteristics:
    • Marital Status - Married; Unmarried; Unknown or Not Stated; Not Available.
    • Age of Mother - under 15 years through over 50 years.
      Available Years 2007-2022:
      Mother's age is available in the following sets of age groups:
      • 9 groups with a category for under 15 years; groups of 5-year increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
      • 10 groups with a category for under 15 years; categories for 15-17 years; 18-19 years; and 5-year age increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
      • 13 groups with categories for under 15 years; single-year age categories for 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 year old mothers; and 5-year age increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
    • Maternal Race
      Available Years 1995-2002:
      9 categories: American Indian or Alaska Native; Black; Chinese; Filipino; Guamanian; Hawaiian (includes part-Hawaiian); Japanese; Other Asian; White.
      Available Years 2003-2019:
      "Bridged Race" 4 categories - American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black or African American; White. Mother's Bridged Race data are not available for live births in 2020 and later years.
      Available Years 2016 - 2022:
      "Single Race" 6 categories - American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; White; More than one race.
    • Maternal Hispanic Origin
      Available Years 1995-2002:
      Hispanic origin categories combined with race - Central or South American; Cuban; Mexican; Non-Hispanic Black; Non-Hispanic other races; Non-Hispanic White; Origin unknown or not stated; Other and Unknown Hispanic; Puerto Rican.
      Available Years 2003-2022:
      3 Hispanic origin categories - Hispanic or Latino; Not Hispanic or Latino; Origin unknown or not stated.
      8 Hispanic origin categories - Central or South American; Cuban; Dominican; Mexican; Non-Hispanic; Origin unknown or not stated; Other and Unknown Hispanic; Puerto Rican.
    • Maternal Education
      Available Years 1995-2006:
      0 - 8 years; 9 - 11 years;12 years; 13 - 15 years; 16 years and over; Not stated/Not on Certificate; Excluded.
      Available Years 2007-2022:
      Maternal Education categories: 8th grade or less; 9th through 12th grade with no diploma; High school graduate or GED completed; Some college credit, but not a degree; Associate degree (AA, AS); Bachelor's degree (BA, AB, BS); Master's degree (MA, MS); Doctorate (PHD, EdD) or Professional Degree (MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD); Unknown/Not on certificate; Excluded.
  • Birth Characteristics:
    • Year - 1995-2022. Four online databases are available: 1995-2002, 2003-2006, 2007-2022, and 2016-2022 with expanded data.
    • Gender (Sex) of Child - Female; Male.
    • Birth Weight
      Available Years 1995-2006:
      499 grams or less; 500 - 999 grams; 1000 - 1499 grams; 1500 - 1999 grams; 2000 - 2499 grams; 2500 - 2999 grams; 3000 - 3499 grams; 3500 - 3999 grams; 4000 - 4499 grams; 4500 - 4999 grams; 5000 - 8165 grams; Not stated.
      Available Years 2007-2022:
      Infant's weight at birth is available in 3 sets of categories, through 8165 grams, or Not stated:
    • Plurality or Multiple Birth - Single; Twin; Triplet or more.
    • Gestational Age at Birth
      Available only for Years 1999-2002:
      Under 20 weeks; 20 - 27 weeks; 28 - 31 weeks; 32 - 35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37 - 39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks or more; Unknown.
      Available only for Years 2003 and later:
      Gestational age groups are available in 3 sets of categories, for infant ages at birth, based on Last Menstrual Period (LMP) or Obstetrician's Estimate (OE):
      • 10 age groups: Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37-39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks or more; Unknown.
      • 11 age groups: Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-33 weeks; 34-36 weeks; 37-38 weeks; 39 weeks, 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 or more weeks; Unknown.
      • Weekly age groups: 17 weeks through 47 weeks; Unknown.
    • Month - January-December.
    • Weekday - Weekend; Weekday.
    • Month When Maternal Prenatal Care Began - No prenatal care; 1st month through 9th month of pregnancy; Unknown or not stated; Not on Certificate.
    • Live Birth Order - One child born alive to mother through six live births, and Not Stated.
    • Birthplace
      Available Years 2003-2006:
      In Hospital; Not in Hospital; Unknown or Not Stated.
      Available Years 2007-2022:
      More birthplace categories - In Hospital; Freestanding Birth Center; Clinic/Doctor's Office; Residence; Other; Unknown.
    • Delivery Method - Vaginal; Cesarean, Not Stated.
    • Medical Attendant - Doctor of Medicine (MD); Doctor of Osteopathy (DO); Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM / CM); Other Midwife; Other; Unknown or Not Stated.
  • Maternal Risk Factors:

Contents:    Natality Data Request
Data Source Information
Additional Information
Natality Data Items
Frequently Asked Questions

Natality Data Request

Output:    You can produce tables, maps, charts, and data extracts. The following measures are available:
- Summary counts of births
- Birth rates (normalized to the total population)
- Fertility rates (normalized to females age 15-44)
- Percent of total births (total for your query results)
- Average Birth Weight
- Average Age of Mother
- Average Gestational Age of Infant (based on date of Last Menstrual Period (LMP))
- Average Gestational Age of Infant (based on Obstetrician's Estimate (OE))
- Standard Deviation (for averages)
Variables:    You can limit and index your data by any and all of the data variables.
How?    The Request screen has sections to guide you through the making a data request as step-by-step process. However, first time users might want to simply press any Send button to get the default table. The data results for your query appear on the Table screen. Click the Request tab above the table to return to the Request screen and form another query. After you get your data results, click the Chart or Map tabs to go to those screens and makes charts or maps. Click the export button above the data table to download your data table as a tab-delimited line listed file.

For more information, see the following:

Quick Start Guide;
Step 1, Organize your request;
Step 2, Select maternal residence;
Step 3, Select other maternal characteristics;
Step 4, Select birth characteristics;
Step 5, Select maternal risk factors;
Step 6, Other options.

'By-Variables'    Select variables that serve as keys (indexes) for organizing your data. See How do I organize my data? for more information.
Note:    To map your data, you must select at least one geographical location as a "By-Variable" for grouping your data, such as State.
Help:    Click on any button labeled "Help", located to the right hand side of the screen at the top of each section. Each Control's label, such as the "Location" label next to the Location entry box, is linked to the online help for that item.
Send:    Sends your data request to be processed on the CDC WONDER databases. The Send buttons are located on the bottom of the Request page, and also in the upper right corner of each section, for easy access.


Step 1. Organize table layout:

Group Results By:    Select up to five variables to group (summarize, stratify, index) your data. For example, you could select to group your data by Year, State, Race and Gestational Age. See How do I organize my data? for more information.
Select Measures:    Birth rates, fertility rates and other optional measures are available for the Natality data beginning in year 2003. Select the check box to calculate these measures for your query criteria. The number of live births is always calculated by default.
Title:    Enter any desired description to display as a title with your results.


Group Results By

Select up to five variables that serve as keys for grouping your data. For example, you could select to group (summarize, stratify, index) your data by Year, State, and Race.

How?    See How do I organize my data? for more information.

Hints:   

  1. To make a map, you must request data with a geographic location variable, such as State, as a "By-Variable." Then click the Map tab.
  2. You cannot make charts when your data has more than two By-Variables.



Birth Rates

Birth rates are calculated as the number of births divided by total population in the given year(s).

When the numerator is sub-set by mother's race category, Hispanic origin category, location, or year of birth, then the same sub-set for race, Hispanic origin category, location and year applies to the denominator population. If the data are sub-set by any other variable, then birth rates and denominator data are not available.

See Denominator Population Sources below for more information.

Notes:
  • Birth rates are available for the Natality data beginning in year 2003.
  • Birth rates are only available for the total population, or for mother's race category, Hispanic origin category, mother's place of residence and the year of birth. If data are grouped by any other variable, or limited for any other variable, then birth rates are not calculated. Comparable denominator data are not available for the other variables.
  • Rates returned for Hispanicity in combination with either Bridged Race or Single Race are calculated differently here than in other natality published reports. For more information, see About Hispanic birth and fertility rates.
  • Select the specific desired categories for mother's single race or bridged race. Note that bridged race categories and bridged race population estimates are not available for live births occurring in 2020 and later years.


Fertility Rates

Fertility rates are calculated as the number of births divided by the number of females age 15 - 44 years old in the given year(s).

When the numerator is sub-set by mother's age, mother's race category, Hispanic origin category, location, or year of birth, then the same sub-set for age, race, Hispanic origin category, location and year applies to the denominator population. If data are sub-set by any other variable, then fertility rates and denominator data are not available.

See Denominator Population Sources below for more information.

Notes:
  • Fertility rates are available for the Natality data since year 2003.
  • Fertility rates are only available for the total population, or for mother's age, mother's race category, Hispanic origin category, mother's place of residence and the year of birth. If data are grouped by any other variable, or limited for any other variable, then fertility rates are not calculated. Comparable denominator data are not available for the other variables.
  • Rates returned for Hispanicity in combination with either Bridged Race or Single Race are calculated differently here than in other natality published reports. For more information, see About Hispanic birth and fertility rates.
  • Select the specific desired categories for mother's single race or bridged race. Note that bridged race categories and bridged race population estimates are not available for live births occurring in 2020 and later years.
  • Please also see Fertility Rates Errata.


Denominator Population Sources

The current population sources for calculating birth and fertility rates come from these sources:

About Archive Rates and Populations

Archive rates and populations are available, in order to allow researchers to reproduce previously published rates. The archive populations displayed and used as the denominator for rates are bridged-race postcensal population estimates. Each year of archive population data is taken from the corresponding series year. For example, archive population data for 2009 is from the vintage 2009 series of postcensal population estimates, and the archive population data for 2008 is from the vintage 2008 series.

The archive denominator population sources for each year:
  • 2009 from the 2000-2009 (Vintage 2009) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on July 23, 2010.
  • 2008 from the 2000-2008 (Vintage 2008) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on September 2, 2009.
  • 2007 from the 2000-2007 (Vintage 2007) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on September 5, 2008.
  • 2006 from the 2000-2006 (Vintage 2006) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on August 16, 2007.
  • 2005 from the 2000-2005 (Vintage 2005) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on August 16, 2006.
  • 2004 from the 2000 to 2004 (Vintage 2004) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on September 8, 2005.
  • 2003 from the 2000 to 2003 (Vintage 2003) postcensal estimates of the July 1 resident population by year, county, single-year age groups, bridged-race, sex, and Hispanic origin released by NCHS on September 14, 2004.


Percent of Total Births

Calculates percentages for your query results. The percentages appear in a column, showing each row's percentage of the total births in the results table. The results table shows data for the live births that met your query criteria.

Notes:
  • Please note that the Percent of Total calculated by CDC WONDER may not be consistent with percentages published by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). NCHS excludes unknowns (also "not stated," "not on certificate," "excluded," and "not reported") from the denominator when calculating percentages.
  • If you wish to drop the unknown categories from your query criteria, then you should specifically select the categories you wish to include in your query. Please note that "All" options include the unknown values.


Average Birth Weight

Calculates the average birth weight for your query results. The averages appear in a column, showing each row's average birth weight. The results table shows data for the live births that met your query criteria.

Notes:


Average Age of Mother

Calculates the average maternal age for your query results. The averages appear in a column, showing each row's average birth weight. The results table shows data for the live births that met your query criteria.

Notes:
  • Standard deviation is also available for each average measure.
  • The averages are based on the most detailed scalar maternal ages with single year increments, in a range from 10-50 years.


Average Gestational Age (LMP)

Calculates the average gestational age of the infant, based on the Last Menstrual Period (LMP). The averages appear in a column, showing each row's average birth weight. The results table shows data for the live births that met your query criteria.

Notes:


Average Gestational Age (OE)

Calculates the average gestational age of the infant, based on the Obstetrician's Estimate (OE). The averages appear in a column, showing each row's average birth weight. The results table shows data for the live births that met your query criteria.

Notes:
  • Standard deviation is also available for each average measure.
  • The averages are based on the most detailed scalar field, "OE Gestational Age Weekly", with weekly infant's gestational age increments ranging from 17-47 weeks.


Standard Deviation

Calculates the standard deviation for the selected average measures. The results are calculated for the live births that met your query criteria.

Notes:
  • On the Results tab, standard deviation values appear in the 2nd line in the Average column(s). In the tab-delimited text file produced by export, standard deviation values are reported in a separate column, for each selected average measure.
  • The standard deviation shows the variation from the average or mean value that occurs in the birth records that meet the criteria that define the table cell. A low standard deviation value indicates that most data values are close to the mean, and a high standard deviation value indicates the data are spread over a large range of values.


Step 2. Select maternal residence:

Limit the population to specific locations here. Alternately, you can leave the settings at the default values (the United States) and choose to organize or group the data results by State to show these stratifications. See Step 2a to select Urbanization and Metro/Nonmetro categories for mother's county of residence, in the classifications for 2006 and 2013.


Location

This dataset includes states (no territories) and counties with a total population over 100,000 persons. Limit your data request to specific locations here. You can select any number of locations. The default settings are national data, the United States.

How?  
  1. Click the round button to choose between Regions (two types of regions, both include states and counties) or States (includes Counties).
  2. See How do I use a Finder? for hints on how to search for and select your desired locations.
    • The default value is all locations (the United States).
    • See Finder Tool help for more hints.

Notes:   

  • Location is based on mother's legal residence recorded on the birth certificate.
  • About Counties: County-level data are shown for counties with populations of 100,000 persons or more. All counties with fewer than 100,000 persons are shown combined together under the label "Unidentified Counties" for the state.
    • 1995-2002 data show counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 1990 Census.
    • 2003-2013 data show counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2000 Census.
    • The 2014-2022 data identifies counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2010 Census.
    • There are 66 more counties named in the 2003-2013 data than in the 1995-2002 data, and 56 more counties named in the 2014-2022 data than in the 2003-2013 data.
    • About Connecticut counties in 2022:   The 2022 data includes an "Unidentified Counties" category for the combined population estimates of the 9 planning regions (county-equivalent areas) in Connecticut, because the 2022 population estimates from the Census Bureau do not include the 8 legacy counties. This category supports the calculation of fertility and birth rates for the entire state of Connecticut in 2022. .
  • About Regions and Divisions:
    • Regions and divisions are multi-state groups. Regions include states and counties, yet do not include territories. Choose between two types of regions:
      • four Census Regions, with nine sub-ordinate divisions, or
      • ten Health and Human Services (HHS) Regions.
    • Census Regions and Divisions from the United States Census Bureau:

      Census Region 1 - Northeast:

      • Division 1 - New England:    Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont.
      • Division 2 - Middle Atlantic:    New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania.

      Census Region 2 - Midwest:

      • Division 3 - East North Central:    Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin.
      • Division 4 - West North Central:    Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota.

      Census Region 3 - South:

      • Division 5 - South Atlantic:    Delaware, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia.
      • Division 6 - East South Central:    Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee.
      • Division 7 - West South Central:    Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas.

      Census Region 4 - West:

      • Division 8 - Mountain:    Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming.
      • Division 9 - Pacific:    Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington.

    • Health and Human Services (HHS) Regions:

      HHS Region 1 - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

      HHS Region 2 - New Jersey, New York (data for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands are not included here).

      HHS Region 3 - Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia.

      HHS Region 4 - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.

      HHS Region 5 - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin.

      HHS Region 6 - Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas.

      HHS Region 7 - Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska.

      HHS Region 8 - Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming.

      HHS Region 9 - Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada (data for American Samoa and Guam are not included here).

      HHS Region 10 - Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

    • When you export the results of your data request, the location name and the codes are in separate columns.
    • To see the full set of available location values for Regions, group the data by HHS Region, State and County, or by Census Region, Division, State and County, and then export the results.
  • About state and county codes:
    • State and County codes are Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) codes. See the Locations section below for more information about how county FIPS codes have been modified for use in the Natality public-use data.
    • When you export the results of your data request, the location names and the FIPS codes are in separate columns.
    • To see the full list of State locations and codes, send a request and group results by State, then export the results of your data request.
    • See About Counties for more information about county-level data.



Step 2.a Select urbanization classifications:

Limit the population to specific locations here, as categorized for Metro/Nonmetro and urban-rural areas. Alternately, you can leave the settings at the default values (the United States) and choose to organize or group the data results by these fields to show these stratifications. Select Urbanization and Metro/Nonmetro categories for mother's county of residence, in the classifications for 2006 and 2013.

How?  
  1. Click the Radio Button above the box, to pick your preferred list.
  2. See "How do I select items from the list box?," to limit your data to selected categories in the list.

Notes:  

  • These categories are from the 2006 or 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties.
  • See the NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties web page for more information about the Urbanization categories.
  • The large central metro category contains counties in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) of one million or more population that have been identified by NCHS classification rules as central because they contain all or part of a principal city of the area. The large fringe metro category contains the remaining counties (similar to suburbs) in MSAs of one million or more. Counties in MSAs of 250,000 to 999,999 population are assigned to the medium metro category and counties in MSAs with populations under 250,000 are assigned to the small metro category. Nonmetropolitan counties that are designated by the Office of Management and Budget as belonging to a micropolitan statistical area are assigned to the micropolitan category and the remaining nonmetropolitan counties are assigned to the noncore category. The large central metro category is the most "urban" category and the noncore category is the most "rural" category.
  • To understand how the classification schemes were developed, see:
  • Most counties are in the same urbanization category for both the 2013 and 2006 schemes. However, for those counties whose category differs in the two schemes, some moved from a less urban to a more urban category, while others moved from a more urban category to a less urban category. For more information, see "Changes in county urbanization category:  2013 scheme versus 2006 scheme" in the report, 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties.
  • It is recommended that the micropolitan category not be aggregated with metropolitan categories.
  • The Urbanization categories are identified by two columns, labels and codes, in data extracts.

Urbanization

Use the radio buttons to select either the 2006 or the 2013 NCHS Urban-Rural Scheme for Counties. Select All Categories or any combination of Urbanization values:  Large Central Metro, Large Fringe Metro, Medium Metro, Small Metro, Micropolitan (non-metro), NonCore (non-metro). Each county is assigned to one of these six categories. Each death is associated with a category based on the county of the person's legal residence.

See Step 2.a for more information on how to select categories and notes on how these categories are defined.


Metro/Nonmetro

The Metro/Nonmetro list allows you to easily compare metropolitan and rural areas. The Metro group includes counties in these Urbanization categories: Large Central Metro, Large Fringe Metro, Medium Metro, and Small Metro. The Nonmetro group includes counties in these Urbanization categories: Micropolitan (non-metro) and NonCore (non-metro).

See Step 2.a for more information on how to select categories and notes on how categories are defined.



Step 3. Select other maternal characteristics:

Limit your data for any of the following data elements:

  1. Marital Status - Married; Unmarried; Unknown or Not Stated; Not Available.
  2. Age of Mother - under 15 years; 5 year age groups through age 54.
    Available Years 2007-2022:
    Mother's age is available in the following sets of age groups:
    • 9 groups with a category for under 15 years; groups of 5-year increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
    • 10 groups with a category for under 15 years; categories for 15-17 years; 18-19 years; and 5-year age increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
    • 13 groups with categories for under 15 years; single-year age categories for 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 year old mothers; and 5-year age increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
  3. Maternal Race
    Available through year 2006:
    Race categories - American Indian or Alaska Native; Black; Chinese; Filipino; Guamanian; Hawaiian (includes part-Hawaiian); Japanese; Other Asian; White.
    Available Years 2003-2019:
    "Bridged Race" categories - American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black or African American; White.
    Mother's Bridged Race data are not available for live births in 2020 and later years.
    Available Years 2016-2022:
    "Single Race" categories - American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; White; More than one race.
  4. Maternal Hispanic Origin
    Available Years 1995-2002:
    Hispanic origin categories combined with race - Central or South American; Cuban; Mexican; Non-Hispanic Black; Non-Hispanic other races; Non-Hispanic White; Origin unknown or not stated; Other and Unknown Hispanic; Puerto Rican.
    Available Years 2003-2022:
    3 Hispanic origin categories - Hispanic or Latino; Not Hispanic or Latino; Origin unknown or not stated.
    8 Hispanic origin categories - Central or South American; Cuban; Dominican; Mexican; Non-Hispanic; Origin unknown or not stated; Other and Unknown Hispanic; Puerto Rican.
  5. Maternal Education
    Available Years 1995-2006:
    Education categories: 0-8 years; 9-11 years; 12 years; 13-15 years; 16 years and over; Not stated/Not on Certificate; Excluded.
    Available Years 2007-2022:
    Education categories - 8th grade or less; 9th through 12th grade with no diploma; High school graduate or GED completed; Some college credit, but not a degree; Associate degree (AA, AS); Bachelor's degree (BA, AB, BS); Master's degree (MA, MS); Doctorate (PHD, EdD) or Professional Degree (MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD); Unknown/Not on certificate; Excluded.

How?    

Maternal Hispanic Origin

This field indicates the Hispanic ethnicity of the mother.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • About birth and fertility rates for Hispanic Origin in years 2003-current year: Rates returned for Hispanic Origin in combination with either Bridged Race or Single Race are calculated differently here than in other natality published reports. In computing birth and fertility rates by race and Hispanic origin, the Division of Vital Statistics of the National Center for Health Statistics includes births with origin of mother not stated with non-Hispanic births, according to the race of mother ( DOCUMENTATION OF THE DETAIL NATALITY TAPE FILE FOR 1999 DATA; see page 262, or page 17 of the Technical Appendix).
  • Fertility and birth rates are not available for Expanded Hispanic Origin categories because this level of detail is not available in the population denominator data. For birth and fertility rates by Hispanic Origin, limit or group results by the Hispanic Origin categories.
  • Beginning in 2018, the category "Dominican" was added to "Mother's Expanded Hispanic Origin" data. WONDER reports "Missing Ethnicity" for the "Dominican" category in years before 2018. Before 2018, births to Dominican mothers were coded to the "Other and Unknown Hispanic" category, thus there is a discontinuity between 2017 and 2018 for the "Other and Unknown Hispanic" category.
  • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. Public Health Information Network (PHIN) compatible codes are used when applicable.

    Maternal Hispanic Origin with race groups in years 1995-2002:
     Code Label
     "2148-5"  Mexican 
     "2180-8"  Puerto Rican 
     "2182-4"  Cuban 
     "4"  Central or South American 
     "5"  Other and Unknown Hispanic 
     "6"  Non-Hispanic White 
     "7"  Non-Hispanic Black 
     "8"  Non-Hispanic other races 
     "9"  Origin unknown or not stated 


    Maternal Hispanic Origin groups in years 2003-current year:
     Code Label
     "2135-2"  Hispanic or Latino 
     "2186-5"  Not Hispanic or Latino 
     "9"  Origin unknown or not stated 


    Maternal Expanded Hispanic Origin groups in years 2003-current year:
     Code Label
     "2148-5"  Mexican 
     "2180-8"  Puerto Rican 
     "2182-4"  Cuban 
     "4"  Central or South American 
     "7"  Dominican 
     "5"  Other and Unknown Hispanic 
     "0"  Non-Hispanic 
     "9"  Origin unknown or not stated 


Maternal Race

Limit your data to the selected categories for the race of the mother. The default option is all race groups. Two sets of race groups are available:

  1. 1995-2002 data:
    Nine race groups - American Indian or Alaska Native; Black; Chinese; Filipino; Guamanian; Hawaiian (includes part-Hawaiian); Japanese; Other Asian; White.
  2. 2003-2019 data:
    Four "Bridged Race" groups - American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black or African American; White.
    Mother's Bridged Race data are not available for live births in 2020 and later years.
  3. 2016-2022 data:
    Six "Single Race" groups - American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian; Black or African American; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; White; More than one race.
How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • About "Single Race" categories for years 2016-2022: Beginning in 2016, all jurisdictions and the National Center for Health Statistics are reporting race consistent with the 1997 Office of Management and Budget standards ("single race"). Single race is defined as one race reported on the birth certificate.
  • About the "Not Available" Single Race category for years 2007-2015:
    Single Race groups are only available for births in 2016 and later years. For births in years 2007-2015, births are reported in the Single Race category "Not Available" and the measures for the 6 standard Single Race categories are reported as "Missing."
  • About the "Not Available" Bridged Race category for 2020 and later years:
    Bridged Race groups are only available for births in 2007 - 2019. For year 2020 and later, births are reported in the Bridged Race category "Not Available" and the measures for the 4 standard Bridged Race categories are reported as "Missing."
  • If you wish to look at trends across years 2003 - 2019 by maternal race, then filter or subset Bridged Race, or cross tabulate by Bridged Race, to calculate birth and fertility rates for specific maternal race groups.
  • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. Public Health Information Network (PHIN) compatible codes are used when applicable.


Maternal Race groups in years 1995-2002:
 Code Label
 "1002-5"  American Indian or Alaska Native 
 "2054-5"  Black or African American 
 "2034-7"  Chinese 
 "2036-2"  Filipino 
 "2076-8"  Hawaiian 
 "2039-6"  Japanese 
 "2028-9"  Other Asian 
 "2106-3"  White 


Maternal "Bridged Race" groups in years 2003-2019:
 Code Label
 "1002-5"  American Indian or Alaska Native 
 "2054-5"  Black or African American 
 "A-PI"  Asian or Pacific Islander 
 "2106-3"  White 


Maternal "Single Race" groups in years 2016 and later:
 Code Label
 "1002-5"  American Indian or Alaska Native 
 "A"  Asian 
 "2054-5"  Black or African American 
 "NHOPI"  Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 
 "2106-3"  White 
 "M"  More than one race 


Marital Status

This field indicates the marital status of the mother as recorded on the birth certificate.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • Beginning in 2017, due to state statutory restrictions, California no longer provides record-level data on the marital status of the mother for births occurring to California residents and non-residents (including residents of other states). For these births, Marital Status is reported as "Not Available."
  • Data for the mother's marital status are derived from the "DMAR" variable in the public use data for years 1995-2002, and from the "MAR" variable in the public use data for years 2003-2022.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the Marital Status code is shown in a separate column from the category label.


     Code Label
     "01"  Married 
     "02"  Unmarried 
     "9"  Unknown or Not Stated 
     "NA"  Not Available 


Age of Mother

This field indicates the age group of the mother at the time of birth. For births through year 2006, maternal age is available in 9 age groups: under 15 years; 5 year age groups through age 54. For births in years 2007-2022, maternal age is available in the following sets of age groups:

  • 9 groups with a category for under 15 years; groups of 5-year increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
  • 10 groups with a category for under 15 years; categories for 15-17 years; 18-19 years; and 5-year age increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
  • 13 groups with categories for under 15 years; single-year age categories for 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 year old mothers; and 5-year age increments for older mothers; and a category for 50 years and over.
How?    

Note:    When the data results are exported to a file, two columns are provided, a column for the Age group code value and a column for the label. See codes and labels for the basic 9 age groups below.


 Code Label
 "15"  Under 15 years 
 "15-19"  15 - 19 years 
 "20-24"  20 - 24 years 
 "25-29"  25 - 29 years 
 "30-34"  30 - 34 years 
 "35-39"  35 - 39 years 
 "40-44"  40 - 44 years 
 "45-49"  45 - 49 years 
 "50-54"  50 - 54 years 


Maternal Education

This field indicates a range for the number of years of education received by the mother at the time of birth.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • About Maternal Education data:
    Education information from the 2003 revision of the birth certificate is not comparable to the information based on the earlier certificate. Thus, Education data have been recoded to "Excluded" for births, based on the form of the birth certificate used in the mother's place of residence in the year the birth occurred.
    • For years 1995-2002, all reporting areas used the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth and no data are recoded to "Excluded."
    • For years 2003-2006, the majority of reporting areas continued to use the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth, and Education data from those reporting areas that had implemented the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth are recoded to "Excluded." Note that prior to the February 2012 data update, these "Excluded" data were recoded to "Not on Certificate."
    • For years 2007-2015, Education data from those reporting areas that continued to use the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth are recoded to "Excluded." Note the change from preceding years: Natality data for years 2003-2006 in CDC WONDER excluded Education data for the reporting areas that had adopted the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.
    • For years 2016 and later, all reporting areas are using the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. No Education data are recoded to "Excluded."
    The following reporting areas have Education data coded to "Excluded:"
    • For births that occurred in 2003: Pennsylvania and Washington state (2 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2004: Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington state (9 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2005: Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington state (13 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2006: California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state and Wyoming (19 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2007: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (New York City only), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (30 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2008: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (24 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2009: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (23 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2010: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (17 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2011: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia (14 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2012: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia (12 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2013: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia (9 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2014: Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island (3 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2015: Connecticut and New Jersey (2 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2016 and later years: "Excluded" data are "Missing" for births in 2016 and later years, because all reporting areas are consistent with the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, two columns are provided for Maternal Education, the code value and the label.


Maternal Education years 1995-2006:
 Code  Label
 "1"  0 - 8 years 
 "2"  9 - 11 years 
 "3"  12 years 
 "4"  13 - 15 years 
 "5"  16 years and over 
 "6"  Not stated/Not on Certificate 
 "999"  Excluded 



Maternal Education years 2007 and later:
 Code  Label
 "1"  8th grade or less 
 "2"  9th through 12th grade with no diploma 
 "3"  High school graduate or GED completed 
 "4"  Some college credit, but not a degree 
 "5"  Associate degree (AA, AS) 
 "6"  Bachelor's degree (BA, AB, BS) 
 "7"  Master's degree (MA, MS) 
 "8"  Doctorate (PHD, EdD) or Professional Degree (MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD) 
 "Unk"  Unknown/Not on certificate 
 "999"  Excluded 



Step 4. Select birth characteristics:

Limit your data for any of the following data elements:

  1. Year: 1995-2002, or 2003-2006, or 2007-2022.
  2. Gender (Sex) of Child: Female; Male.
  3. Plurality or Multiple Birth: Single; Twin; Triplet or more.
  4. Birth Weight: 499 grams or less; 500 - 999 grams; 1000 - 1499 grams; 1500 - 1999 grams; 2000 - 2499 grams; 2500 - 2999 grams; 3000 - 3499 grams; 3500 - 3999 grams; 4000 - 4499 grams; 4500 - 4999 grams; 5000 - 8165 grams; Not stated.
    Available Years 2007-2022:
    Infant's weight at birth is available in 3 sets of categories, through 8165 grams, or Not stated:
  5. Plurality or Multiple Birth: Single; Twin; Triplet or more.
  6. Gestational Age at Birth : Under 20 weeks; 20 - 27 weeks; 28 - 31 weeks; 32 - 35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37 - 39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks or more; Unknown.
    Available only for Years 2003 and later:
    Gestational age groups are available in 3 sets of categories, for infant ages at birth, based on Last Menstrual Period (LMP) or Obstetrician's Estimate (OE):
    • 10 age groups: Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37-39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks or more; Unknown.
    • 11 age groups: Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-33 weeks; 34-36 weeks; 37-38 weeks; 39 weeks, 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 or more weeks; Unknown.
    • Weekly age groups: 17 weeks through 47 weeks; Unknown.
  7. Month of Birth: January-December.
  8. Weekday of Birth: Weekend; Weekday.
  9. Live Birth Order: 1st child born alive to mother - 6th child and over born alive to mother; Not Stated.
  10. Birthplace - In Hospital; Not in Hospital; Unknown or Not Stated.
    Available Years 2007-2022:
    More birthplace categories: In Hospital; Freestanding Birth Center; Clinic/Doctor's Office; Residence; Other; Unknown.
  11. Delivery Method: Vaginal; Cesarean, Not Stated.
  12. Medical Attendant: Doctor of Medicine (MD); Doctor of Osteopathy (DO); Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM /CM); Other Midwife; Other; Unknown or Not Stated.
  13. Month Prenatal Care Began : No prenatal care; 1st month through 10th month of pregnancy; Not stated/Not on Certificate; Excluded.

How?

Hint:   You can only pick 1 gestational age group or birth weight list for any data request. The round radio button indicates the selected list, any selections in the other gestational age or birth weight lists are ignored. The "by-variables" in section 1 and the round radio button selections must match. For example, if you select to group by "Gestational Age - Weekly," then the radio button automatically sets to the "Gestational Age - Weekly" selection list. If you change the radio button to a different list, then the "by-variable" also changes to match.


Year

Pick any combination of years desired.
How?    See How do I select items from the list box?.
Hint:    Year is limited to the most recent year of data available by default, you may prefer to change the selection to "All Years."

Gender of Child

This field indicates the gender of the child as recorded on the birth certificate.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When the data results are exported to a file, two columns are shown, a column for the code value and a column for the label.


 Code Label
 "F"  Female 
 "M"  Male 


Plurality or Multiple Birth

The Plurality field indicates if more than one infant shared the gestation and birth.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • Effective May 2022, plurality data are available in 3 groups: Single, Twin, Triplet or higher. Births in the categories Quadruplet and Quintuplet or higher are now included in the category for Triplet or higher, in conformance with data privacy policies.
  • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns.

     Code Label
     "1"  Single 
     "2"  Twin 
     "3"  Triplet or higher
    Available before May 2022:
     "3"  Triplet 
     "4"  Quadruplet 
     "5"  Quintuplet or higher 


Gestational Age at Birth

Select a range of weeks that represents the duration of the pregnancy at the time of birth.

NOTE: Beginning in 2014 NCHS changed the standard for gestational period from the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) based gestational age to the Obstetric/clinical Estimate (OE) based gestational age. Obstetric/clinical Estimate (OE) based gestational age groups are available for years 2007 and later in WONDER since February 2016. Refer to Measuring Gestational Age in Vital Statistics Data: Transitioning to the Obstetric Estimate for more information.

Data for years 1995-2002:

  • Gestational Age at Birth:  Under 20 weeks; 20 - 27 weeks; 28 - 31 weeks; 32 - 35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37 - 39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks or more; Unknown.
Data for years 2003 and later are organized in three groupings:
  1. Gestational Age - Group1:  with 10 age groups Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37-39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks or more; Unknown.
  2. Gestational Age - Group2:  with 11 age groups Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-33 weeks; 34-36 weeks; 37-38 weeks; 39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 or more weeks; Unknown.
  3. Gestational Age - Weekly:  17 weeks; 18 weeks; 19 weeks; 20 weeks; 21 weeks; 22 weeks; 23 weeks; 24 weeks; 25 weeks; 26 weeks; 27 weeks; 28 weeks; 29 weeks; 30 weeks; 31 weeks; 32 weeks; 33 weeks; 34 weeks; 35 weeks; 36 weeks; 37 weeks; 38 weeks; 39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 weeks; 43 weeks; 44 weeks; 45 weeks; 46 weeks; 47 weeks; Unknown.

How?  
  • Click a round button to switch between the gestational age lists for years 2003 and later.
  • Select your desired age groups. See How do I select items from the list box?.
  • Hint:
    For years 2003 and later you can only pick 1 gestational age group list for any data request. The round radio button indicates the selected list, any selections in the other gestational age at birth lists are ignored. The gestational age at birth "by-variables" in section 1 and the radio button selections must match. For example, if you select to group by "Gestational Age - Weekly," then the radio button automatically sets to the "Gestational Age - Weekly" selection list. If you change the radio button to a different list, then the "by-variable" also changes to match.

Notes:   

  • The "Gestational Age at Birth" data for years 1995-2002 are derived from the "GESTAT10" variable in the public use data for years 1995-2002.
  • The "Gestational Age - Group1 with 10 age groups", "Gestational Age - Group2 with 11 age groups", and "Gestational Age - Weekly" data are derived from the "COMBGEST" variable in the public use data for years 1995 -2013, for Last Menstrual Period (LMP) gestational age groups.
  • "Gestational Age at Birth" for years 1995-2002 is named in year 2003 and later years "Gestational Age - Group1".
  • The categories in "Gestational Age Group2" with 11 age groups changed with the April 2013 release. A new category was introduced: "39 weeks". The data code values changed, please see the tables below. Before the April 2013 release, the "Gestation Age Group2" categories for years 2003-2010 were: Under 20 weeks; 20-27 weeks; 28-31 weeks; 32-33 weeks; 34-36 weeks; 37-39 weeks; 40 weeks; 41 weeks; 42 or more weeks; Unknown.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the Gestational Age codes are shown in a separate column from the category label.


Gestational Age - Group1 for 2003 and later years
and
Gestational Age at Birth for 1995-2002:
 Code Label
 "1"  Under 20 weeks  
 "2"  20 - 27 weeks  
 "3"  28 - 31 weeks  
 "4"  32 - 35 weeks  
 "5"  36 weeks  
 "6"  37 - 39 weeks  
 "7"  40 weeks  
 "8"  41 weeks  
 "9"  42 weeks or more 
 "10"  Unknown  


Gestational Age - Group2:
 Code Label
 "1"  Under 20 weeks  
 "2"  20-27 weeks  
 "3"  28-31 weeks  
 "4"  32-33 weeks  
 "5"  34-36 weeks  
 "6"  37-38 weeks  
 "7"  39 weeks  
 "8"  40 weeks  
 "9"  41 weeks  
 "10"  42 or more weeks 
 "11"  Unknown  


Gestational Age - Group2:
Values before the April 2013 release
 Code Label
 "1"  Under 20 weeks  
 "2"  20-27 weeks  
 "3"  28-31 weeks  
 "4"  32-33 weeks  
 "5"  34-36 weeks  
 "6"  37-39 weeks  
 "7"  40 weeks  
 "8"  41 weeks  
 "9"  42 or more weeks 
 "10"  Unknown  


Gestational Age - Weekly:
 Code Label
 "17"  17 weeks  
 "18"  18 weeks  
 "19"  19 weeks  
 "20"  20 weeks  
 "21"  21 weeks  
 "22"  22 weeks  
 "23"  23 weeks  
 "24"  24 weeks  
 "25"  25 weeks  
 "26"  26 weeks  
 "27"  27 weeks  
 "28"  28 weeks  
 "29"  29 weeks  
 "30"  30 weeks  
 "31"  31 weeks  
 "32"  32 weeks  
 "33"  33 weeks  
 "34"  34 weeks  
 "35"  35 weeks  
 "36"  36 weeks  
 "37"  37 weeks  
 "38"  38 weeks  
 "39"  39 weeks  
 "40"  40 weeks  
 "41"  41 weeks  
 "42"  42 weeks  
 "43"  43 weeks  
 "44"  44 weeks  
 "45"  45 weeks  
 "46"  46 weeks  
 "47"  47 weeks  
 "99"  Unknown  


Birth Weight

The Birth Weight field indicates weight ranges for the child at birth. For years 1995-2006, birth weight is available in the 12 categories list shown below. For years 2007 and later, the infant's weight at birth is available in 3 sets of categories, through 8165 grams, or Not stated:

  • 12 groups in 500 gram increments;
  • 14 groups in 250 gram increments;
  • 100 gram increments.
How?

Hint:   You can only pick 1 gestational age group or birth weight list for any data request. The round radio button indicates the selected list, any selections in the other gestational age or birth weight lists are ignored. The "by-variables" in section 1 and the round radio button selections must match. For example, if you select to group by "Gestational Age - Weekly," then the radio button automatically sets to the "Gestational Age - Weekly" selection list. If you change the radio button to a different list, then the "by-variable" also changes to match.

Notes:   

  • The categories in gram intervals and their equivalents in pounds and ounces are as follows:
    Less than 500 grams = 1 lb 1 oz or less
    500 - 999 grams = 1 lb 2 oz - 2 lb 3 oz
    1,000 - 1,499 grams = 2 lb 4 oz - 3 lb 4 oz
    1,500 - 1,999 grams = 3 lb 5 oz - 4 lb 6 oz
    2,000 - 2,499 grams = 4 lb 7 oz - 5 lb 8 oz
    2,500 - 2,999 grams = 5 lb 9 oz - 6 lb 9 oz
    3,000 - 3,499 grams = 6 lb 10 oz - 7 lb 11 oz
    3,500 - 3,999 grams = 7 lb 12 oz - 8 lb 13 oz
    4,000 - 4,499 grams = 8 lb l4 oz - 9 lb l4 oz
    4,500 - 4,999 grams = 9 lb 15 oz - 11 lb 0 oz
    5,000 grams or more = 11 lb l oz or more
  • About low birth weight:
    ICD - 9 and ICD - 10 define low birth weight as less than 2,500 grams. This is a shift of 1 gram from the previous criterion of 2,500 grams or less, which was recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1935 and adopted in 1948 by the World Health Organization in the International Lists of Diseases and Causes of Death, Sixth Revision.
  • Errata: For birth weight data shown in WONDER before May 8, 2015, 21 births that occurred in year 2011 were erroneously reported in the birth weight category 5000-8165 grams, instead of the "Not stated" birth weight category. These 21 births are now reported in "Not stated" birth weight category.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, two columns are provided, a column for the code and a column for the label. The table below shows the codes and labels for "Birth Weight 12" with 12 categories.

      Code Label
      "01"  499 grams or less 
      "02"  500 - 999 grams 
      "03"  1000 - 1499  
      "04"  1500 - 1999 grams 
      "05"  2000 - 2499 grams 
      "06"  2500 - 2999 grams 
      "07"  3000 - 3499 grams 
      "08"  3500 - 3999 grams 
      "09"  4000 - 4499 grams 
      "10"  4500 - 4999 grams 
      "11"  5000 - 8165 grams 
      "12"  Not stated 


Month

This field indicates month of birth.
How?    See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • For years 2003 and later the month data is derived from the "dob_mm" field found in the public use data.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the code is shown in a separate column from the category label.


     Code Label
     "1"   January  
     "2"   February  
     "3"   March  
     "4"   April  
     "5"   May  
     "6"   June  
     "7"   July  
     "8"   August  
     "9"   September  
     "10"   October  
     "11"   November  
     "12"   December  


Weekday

This field indicates whether the birth occurred on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday) or a weekday (Monday through Friday).
How?    See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • For years 2003 and later the month data is derived from the "dob_wk" field found in the public use data.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the code is shown in a separate column from the category label.

    Current category labels followed by the codes in parenthesis: Weekend (1); Weekday (2).

    Before June 2022, Weekday was reported in 8 categories, as noted in the table below.


     Code Label
     "1"   Sunday  
     "2"   Monday  
     "3"   Tuesday  
     "4"   Wednesday  
     "5"   Thursday  
     "6"   Friday  
     "7"   Saturday  
     "9"   Unknown  


Month Prenatal Care Began

This field indicates the month in the pregnancy when prenatal care began.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • About Prenatal Care data:
    All reporting areas collect information on Prenatal care, but information from the 2003 revision of the birth certificate is not comparable to the information based on the earlier certificate. Thus, Prenatal Care data have been recoded to "Excluded" for births, based on the form of the birth certificate used in the mother's place of residence in the year the birth occurred.
    • For the years 1995-2002, all reporting areas used the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. No Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded."
    • For the years 2003-2006, Prenatal care data are recoded to "Excluded" for births to mothers residing in a reporting area that used the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth in the specified year. Note that prior to the February 2012 data update, these "Excluded" data were recoded to "Not on Certificate."
    • For years 2007-2015, Prenatal care data are recoded to "Excluded" for births to mothers residing in a reporting area that continued to use the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth in the specified year. Note the change from the preceding years: Natality data for years 2003-2006 in CDC WONDER recoded Prenatal Care data for the reporting areas that had adopted the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.
    • For years 2016 and later, all reporting areas are using the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. No Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded."
    The following reporting areas have Prenatal Care data coded to "Excluded:"
    • For births that occurred in 2003: Pennsylvania and Washington state (2 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2004: Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York(excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington state (9 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2005: Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington state (13 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2006: California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state and Wyoming. (19 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2007: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (New York City only), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (30 reporting areas);
    • For births that occurred in 2008: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (24 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2009: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (23 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2010: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin (17 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2011: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia (14 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2012: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia (12 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2013: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia (9 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2014: Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island (3 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2015: Connecticut and New Jersey, (2 reporting areas).
    • For births that occurred in 2016 and later years: "Excluded" data are "Missing" for births in 2016 and later years, because all reporting areas are consistent with the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.
  • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns.


 Code Label
 "00"  No prenatal care  
 "01"  1st month  
 "02"  2nd month  
 "03"  3rd month  
 "04"  4th month  
 "05"  5th month  
 "06"  6th month  
 "07"  7th month  
 "08"  8th month  
 "09"  9th month  
 "10"  10th month  
 "99"  Not stated/Not on Certificate
 "98"   Excluded  


Live Birth Order

This field indicates the mother's total number of live births, including this birth. Live birth order data are only included for data in the year 2003 and later.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • For years 2003 and later the live birth order data is derived from the "LBO_REC" field found in the public use data.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the code is shown in a separate column from the category label.


     Code Label
     "01"  1st child born alive to mother 
     "02"  2nd child born alive to mother 
     "03"  3rd child born alive to mother 
     "04"  4th child born alive to mother 
     "05"  5th child born alive to mother 
     "06"  6th child or more born alive to mother 
     "99"  Unknown or not stated 


Birthplace

This field indicates the place of birth. Birthplace data are only included for data in the year 2003 and later. Birthplace categories for years 2003-2006:  In Hospital; Not in Hospital; Unknown or Not Stated. Additional birthplace categories are available for years 2007 and later:  In Hospital; Freestanding Birth Center; Clinic/Doctor's Office; Residence; Other; Unknown.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • For years 2003 and later the birthplace data is derived from the "BFACIL3" field found in the public use data.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the code is shown in a separate column from the category label. The table below shows the codes and labels for the Birthplace categories for births in years 2003-2006.


     Code Label
     "1"   In Hospital  
     "2"   Not in Hospital  
     "3"   Unknown or Not Stated  


Delivery Method

This field indicates whether the baby was born by Cesarean section or vaginal birth. Method of delivery data are only included for data in the year 2003 and later.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • For years 2003 and later the method of delivery data is derived from the "DMETH_REC" field found in the public use data.
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the code is shown in a separate column from the category label.


     Code Label
     "1"   Vaginal  
     "2"   Cesarean  
     "9"   Not Stated  


Medical Attendant

This field indicates the attendant at the time of birth. Birth attendant data are only included for data in the year 2003 and later.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • For years 2003 and later the birth Attendant data is derived from the "ATTEND" field found in the public use data.
  • The category for Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM / CM) represents certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified midwife (CM), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The category for Other Midwife represents a midwife other than CNM/CM, and includes Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).
  • When the data results are exported to a file, the code is shown in a separate column from the category label.


     Code Label
     "1"   Doctor of Medicine (MD)  
     "2"   Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)  
     "3"   Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM / CM)
     "4"   Other Midwife  
     "5"   Other  
     "9"   Unknown or Not Stated  


Birth Anomalies

Note: Birth anomalies (congenital anomalies) data are no longer available in CDC WONDER, as of August 27, 2015. Previously, these data were available in CDC WONDER for births occurring in years 2007 - 2013. These data remain available in the NCHS public use data sets, at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data_access/VitalStatsOnline.htm#Births.

These fields were previously available for births in years 2007-2013. Birth anomaly data for New Mexico in 2007 were coded to "Not Reported."

  1. Anencephalus Yes, No, Not Stated, Not Reported
  2. Cleft Lip / Palate Yes, No, Not Stated, Not Reported
  3. Down Syndrome Yes, No, Not Stated, Not Reported
  4. Omphalocele / Gastroschisis Yes, No, Not Stated, Not Reported
  5. Spina Bifida / Meningocele Yes, No, Not Stated, Not Reported


  6. Congenital Anomaly of the Newborn Codes
     Code Label
     "1"  Yes 
     "2"  No 
     "9"  Not Stated 
     "10"  Not Reported 


    Anencephalus

    See note under Birth Anomalies section above.

    This field indicates whether Anencephalus is reported as a congenital anomaly of the newborn. Note that data for birth anomalies are only available for years 2007 and later.

    How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

    Notes:   

    • New Mexico has Anencephalus data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007.
    • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Congenital Anomaly of the Newborn Codes.


    Cleft Lip / Palate

    See note under Birth Anomalies section above.

    This field indicates whether Cleft Lip / Palate is reported as a congenital anomaly of the newborn. Note that data for birth anomalies are only available for years 2007 and later.

    How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

    Notes:   

    • New Mexico has Cleft Lip / Palate data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007.
    • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Congenital Anomaly of the Newborn Codes.


    Down Syndrome

    See note under Birth Anomalies section above.

    This field indicates whether Down Syndrome is reported as a congenital anomaly of the newborn. Note that data for birth anomalies are only available for years 2007 and later.

    How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

    Notes:   

    • New Mexico has Down Syndrome data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007.
    • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Congenital Anomaly of the Newborn Codes.


    Omphalocele / Gastroschisis

    See note under Birth Anomalies section above.

    This field indicates whether Omphalocele / Gastroschisis is reported as a congenital anomaly of the newborn. Note that data for birth anomalies are only available for years 2007 and later.

    How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

    Notes:   

    • New Mexico has Omphalocele / Gastroschisis data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007.
    • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Congenital Anomaly of the Newborn Codes.


    Spina Bifida / Meningocele

    See note under Birth Anomalies section above.

    This field indicates whether Spina Bifida / Meningocele is reported as a congenital anomaly of the newborn. Note that data for birth anomalies are only available for years 2007 and later.

    How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

    Notes:   

    • New Mexico has Spina Bifida / Meningocele data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007.
    • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Congenital Anomaly of the Newborn Codes.



Step 5. Select maternal risk factors:

Limit your data for any of the following data elements:


Available all years:

  1. Chronic Hypertension - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  2. Diabetes - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  3. Pregnancy-associated Hypertension - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  4. Eclampsia - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  5. Tobacco Use - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.

Only available before year 2003:

  1. Anemia - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  2. Cardiac Disease - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  3. Hydramnios/Oligohydramnios - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  4. Incompetent cervix - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.
  5. Lung disease (acute or chronic) - Yes; No; Not Stated; Not Reported.

Notes:


Maternal Risk Factor Codes and Labels
  
  Code Label
  "1"  Yes 
  "2"  No 
  "9"  Not Stated 
  "10"  Not Reported 



Chronic Hypertension Disease

This field indicates whether Chronic Hypertension Disease is reported as a maternal risk factor.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Diabetes

This field indicates whether Diabetes is reported as a maternal risk factor.

The diabetes data for years 2007-2022 are "combined" to include data for mothers with any form of diabetes in general, as well as gestational diabetes. Reporting jurisdictions using the 1989 standard birth certificate report any form maternal diabetes in general, and data from reporting jurisdictions using the 2003 revised birth certificate are combined for chronic and gestational diabetes, to be comparable to the unrevised question.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Pregnancy-associated Hypertension

This field indicates whether Pregnancy-associated Hypertension is reported as a maternal risk factor. This field reports whether a diagnosis occurred in this pregnancy of pregnancy-induced Hypertension or preeclampsia). Hypertension is defined as the elevation of blood pressure above normal for age, sex, and physiological condition. For more information, please refer to the How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Eclampsia

This field indicates whether Eclampsia is reported as a maternal risk factor.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • Reporting areas with Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" by year of birth:
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007: Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (7 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2008: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2009: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2010: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2011: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2012: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2013: Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee (6 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2014: Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee (3 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2015: Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee (3 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2016 - 2019: South Carolina, and Tennessee (2 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2020: South Carolina (1 reporting area).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2021: South Carolina (1 reporting area).
  • Please see the errata below for changes in the Eclampsia data for the New York city area births that occurred in 2008.
  • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Tobacco use during pregnancy

This field indicates whether tobacco use was reported during the pregnancy.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Notes:   

  • All reporting areas, except California, routinely collect information on Maternal Tobacco Use, but information from the 2003 revision of the birth certificate, is not comparable to the information based on the earlier certificate. Thus Tobacco Use data are recoded, based on the form of birth certificate used by the mother's place of residence in the year of birth.
  • In the reporting years 1995-2002, data for tobacco use during pregnancy are recoded for the state of California, because California did not require reporting this risk factor. Tobacco Use data for California are recoded in WONDER as "Not Stated" for births occurring in years 1995-2002. Prior to the February 2012 data update, these data were recoded as "Unknown."
  • In the reporting years 2003-2006, data for tobacco use during pregnancy are recoded for several reporting areas, as noted below. Tobacco Use data for these reporting areas are recoded in WONDER as "Not Reported." California does not routinely collect Maternal Tobacco Use data. The other reporting areas listed have implemented the 2003 revised birth certificate, which collects smoking information differently and the data are not comparable to the data from the previous 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. Prior to the February 2012 data update, these data were recoded as "Not on Certificate."
    • In reporting year 2003, maternal tobacco use data for 3 reporting areas, California, Pennsylvania and Washington state, have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2004, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 10 reporting areas, California, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York State (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington state, have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2005, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 14 reporting areas, California, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York State (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington state have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2006, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 19 reporting areas, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state and Wyoming, have been recoded as "Not Reported."
  • In the reporting years 2007-2015, data have been recoded to "Not Reported" for births to mothers residing in a reporting area that used the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth, or did not report Tobacco Use in the specified data year. Note the change from preceding years, which recoded data from the 2003 revision of the birth certificate.
    • In reporting year 2007, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 31 reporting areas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (New York City only), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2008, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 27 reporting areas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2009, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 26 reporting areas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2010, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 20 reporting areas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2011, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 15 reporting areas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2012, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 13 reporting areas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2013, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 10 reporting areas, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2014, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 4 reporting areas, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have been recoded as "Not Reported."
    • In reporting year 2015, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 2 reporting areas, Connecticut and New Jersey have been recoded as "Not Reported."
  • In reporting years 2016-2022, no Maternal Tobacco Use data have been recoded as "Not Reported." All reporting areas reported Tobacco Use data.
  • When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Anemia

This field indicates whether anemia is reported as a maternal risk factor. These data are only available before year 2003.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Cardiac (Heart) Disease

This field indicates whether Cardiac (Heart) Disease is reported as a maternal risk factor. These data are only available before year 2003.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Hydramnios/Oligohydramnios

This field indicates whether Hydramnios/Oligohydramnios is reported as a maternal risk factor. These data are only available before year 2003.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Incompetent Cervix

This field indicates whether Incompetent Cervix is reported as a maternal risk factor. These data are only available before year 2003.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.


Lung disease (acute or chronic)

This field indicates whether Lung disease (acute or chronic) is reported as a maternal risk factor. These data are only available before year 2003.

How?     See How do I select items from the list box?.

Note:    When you export the results of your data request, the labels and the codes are in separate columns. See the table showing Maternal Risk Factor Codes.



Step 6. Other options:
Export Results:    If checked, then query results are exported to a local file. More information on how to import this file into other applications can be found here.
How?   See check box.
Show Totals:    If checked, then totals and sub-totals display in the results table.
How?   See check box.
Show Zero Values:    If checked, then rows containing zero counts display in the results table. If unchecked, then zero count rows do not appear.
How?   See check box.
Precision:    Select the number of positions after the decimal place for calculated measures such as rates, averages and percentages.
How?   See check box.
Data Access Timeout:    This value specifies the maximum time to wait for the data access for a query to complete. If the data access takes too long to complete, a message will be displayed and you can increase the timeout or simplify your request. If you can't complete a request using the maximum timeout, contact user support and we will try to run a custom data request for you.

Data Source Information

To learn more about the methods and source of these data please refer to:

Publications:

See also VitalStats, for additional access and analysis of vital statistics data.


Additional Information


Suggested Citation:    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Natality, on CDC WONDER Online Database. Data are from the Natality Records 2005-2022, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program.

Each original annual dataset has a unique suggested citation. Please refer to Data Source Information to reference the original technical reference notes and citation for a specific year. See also National Vital Statistics - Birth Data for published reports and more.

Contact:    Data questions: births@cdc.gov.
The National Center for Health Statistics welcomes comments and questions.
Notes:    Please review the following information:
  • Assurance of Confidentiality Constraints:   
    Vital statistics data are suppressed due to confidentiality constraints, in order to protect personal privacy. Data reports for years 1989 and later must meet the NCHS data use restrictions.
    • The term "Suppressed" replaces vital statistics, when the figure represents fewer than ten (1-9) births or deaths.
    • Totals and sub-totals are suppressed when the value falls within scope of the suppression criteria, or when the summary value includes a single suppressed figure, in order to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of suppressed values.
    • Counties with a total population of less than 100,000 are not named in the natality data shared on CDC WONDER. Births in less populated counties are reported for each state under the label "Unidentified Counties" to protect personal privacy. For more information on the availability of statistics for specific counties, see Locations.
    • The confidentiality constraints are established by the original data providers. For more information, please contact the data providers.
    • Revised privacy policies:
      • Effective May 2023, zero values are reported. Before May 2023, statistics representing zero persons were suppressed.
      • Effective June 2022, the following change occurred for births data shared on CDC WONDER: Weekday of birth changed from specific categories for Saturday-Sunday to 2 categories: Weekday, Weekend.
      • Effective May 2022, the following changes occurred for births:
        1. All statistics representing less than ten (10) deaths are suppressed in query results. Prior to this change, sub-national birth statistics were suppressed.
        2. Plurality or Multiple Birth data details for categories higher than triplets are included in a single category for Triplet or higher.
        3. Mother's age groups by single year increments are no longer available.
  • About "Unidentified Counties:"
    The label "Unidentified Counties" designates data for combined counties in the indicated state with less than 100,000 population. Note that not all counties in a given state show births that were registered in that county. The state total displays all tabulated births for a given state. Some counties are not associated with tabulated births due to confidentiality concerns. Counties with a total population less than 100,000 report births under "Unidentified Counties" to protect personal privacy. For more information on the availability of statistics for specific counties, see Locations.
  • Reporting Issues
    • Natality data for the United States on WONDER are limited to births occurring within the United States to U.S. residents. Births to non-residents of the United State are excluded from all tabulations in WONDER by place of residence. Births occurring to U.S. citizens outside the United States are not included in Natality data.
    • All Natality data included in WONDER are reported in conformance to the reporting criteria of the mother's place of residence, rather than the actual criteria on the birth certificate issued by the reporting area of occurrence. For example, if a baby was born in Texas to a mother legally residing in California, then only those data items reported by California are included in the WONDER data set. The original Natality 2004 public use dataset includes data fields from the birth certificate, with an associated reporting flag for each field to indicate whether the mother's place of residence reports this item. About Maternal Tobacco Use:
      • In the years 1995-2002, data for tobacco use during pregnancy are excluded for the state of California, because California did not require reporting this risk factor. Tobacco Use data for California for years 1995-2002 has been recoded to "Not Stated." Prior to the February 2012 data update, these data were recoded as "Unknown."
      • In the years 2003 - 2006, tobacco use data are not available for all reporting areas. California did not routinely collect Maternal Tobacco Use data. The other reporting areas listed below have implemented the 2003 revised birth certificate, which collects smoking information differently and the data are not comparable to the data from the previous 1989 standard birth certificate. Prior to the February 2012 data update, these data were recoded as "Not on Certificate."
        • In 2003, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 3 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  California, Pennsylvania, and Washington state.
        • In 2004, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 10 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  California, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York State (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington state.
        • In 2005, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 14 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  California, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington state.
        • In 2006, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 19 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:" California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state and Wyoming.
      • In the years 2007 - 2008, tobacco use data have been recoded to "Not Reported" for births to mothers residing in a reporting area that used the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth, or did not report Tobacco Use in the specified data year. Note the change from preceding years, which recoded data from the 2003 revision of the birth certificate.
        • In 2007, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 31 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (New York City only), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
        • In 2008, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 27 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
        • In 2009, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 26 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
        • In 2010, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 20 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
        • In 2011, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 15 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
        • In 2012, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 13 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
        • In 2013, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 10 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
        • In 2014, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 4 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
        • In 2015, Maternal Tobacco Use data for 2 reporting areas have been recoded as "Not Reported:"  Connecticut and New Jersey
        • In year 2016 and later years, Maternal Tobacco Use data are available for all reporting areas, no data have been recoded to "Not Reported."
    • About Education and Prenatal Care data:
      Education and Prenatal Care data from the 2003 revision of the birth certificate are not comparable to the information based on the earlier certificate. Education and Prenatal Care data have been recoded to "Excluded" for births, based on the form of the birth certificate used in the mother's place of residence in the year the birth occurred.
      • For years 1995-2002, all reporting areas used the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth and no data are recoded to "Excluded."
      • For years 2003-2006, Education and Prenatal Care data from those reporting areas that had implemented the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth are recoded to "Excluded." Note that prior to the February 2012 data update, these "Excluded" data were recoded to "Not on Certificate." Education and Prenatal Care data for births to mothers residing in a reporting area that used the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth are available online using the VitalStats data access tool at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/VitalStats.htm.
        • For births in 2003, Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 2 reporting areas:  Pennsylvania and Washington state.
        • For births in 2004, Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 9 reporting areas:  Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington state.
        • For births in 2005, Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 13 reporting areas:  Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington state.
        • For births in 2006, Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 19 reporting areas:  California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York (excluding New York City), North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington state and Wyoming.
      • For years 2007-2008, Education and Prenatal Care data from those reporting areas that continued to use the 1989 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth are recoded to "Excluded." Note the change from preceding years: Natality data for years 2003-2006 in CDC WONDER excluded Education and Prenatal Care data for the reporting areas that had adopted the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.
        • For births in 2007, Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 30 reporting areas:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (New York City only), North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
        • For births in 2008, Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 24 reporting areas:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
        • For births in 2009: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 23 reporting areas:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia reporting area, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
        • For births in 2010: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 17 reporting areas:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
        • For births in 2011: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 14 reporting areas:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.
        • For births in 2012: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 12 reporting areas:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.
        • For births in 2013: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 9 reporting areas:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
        • For births in 2014: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 3 reporting areas:  Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
        • For births in 2015: Education and Prenatal Care data are recoded to "Excluded" for 2 reporting areas:  Connecticut and New Jersey.
        • For births in 2016 and later years, Education and Prenatal Care data are available for all reporting areas, no data are recoded to "Excluded."
  • About Eclampsia reporting in years 2007 and later:
    • The following 7 reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2007:  Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.
    • The following 9 reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2008:  Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (counties comprising New York City only), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.
    • The following 9 reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2009:  Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York New York (counties comprising New York City only), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.
    • The following 9 reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2010:  Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York New York (counties comprising New York City only), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.
    • The following 9 reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2010:  Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York New York (counties comprising New York City only), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2011: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2012: Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New York (only counties comprising New York City), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (9 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2013: Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee (6 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2014: Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee (3 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in 2015: Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee (3 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in years 2016 - 2019: South Carolina, and Tennessee (2 reporting areas).
    • The following reporting areas have Eclampsia data coded to "Not Reported" for births that occurred in years 2020 - 2021: South Carolina (1 reporting area).
    • Please see the errata below for changes in the Eclampsia data for the New York city area births that occurred in 2008.
  • About the reporting of birth anomalies:
    As of August 27, 2015, birth anomalies data for years 2007-2013 are no longer available on CDC WONDER. For more information, see note under Birth Anomalies section above. Previously, data for New Mexico in 2007 was coded to "Not Reported" for these fields:  Anencephalus, Cleft Lip / Palate, Down Syndrome, Omphalocele / Gastroschisis, and Spina Bifida.
  • About data updates
    • See revised privacy policies above for changes introduced in May and June 2022 to protect personal privacy.
    • The June 2019 data update added more detailed data fields in the Natality 2016-2017 Expanded online database.
    • The April 2019 data update added Metro/Nonmetro and 2013 and 2006 Urbanization categories for counties in the 2007-2017 births.
    • The February 2017 data update added the following data fields for the 2007-2014 births: maternal age with 10 age groups, 13 age groups, and yearly age groups; birth weight with 250 gram increments; and 100 gram increments; additional categories for birthplace. The February 2017 data update added new measures: percent, average birth weight, average maternal age, average gestational age, and standard deviation for averages. Please also see 2014 county changes and 2009 county changes below.
    • The February 2016 update added Obstetric/clinical Estimate (OE) based gestational age groups at birth.
    • The April 2013 data update introduced a change in "Gestational Age Group2" categories, adding the "39 weeks" age group.
    • The February 2012 data update added the following 8 fields to the Natality 2003-2006 online database: Month, Weekday, Gestational Age Group1, Gestational Age Weekly, Live Birth Order, Birthplace, Delivery method, Medical Attendant. In addition, the label changed for recoded Education, Prenatal Care and Tobacco Use data.
  • Errata:  
    • Counties 1999-2002: The August 2004 release of the Natality Online database in CDC WONDER erroneously displayed the births by place of occurrence, instead of place of mother's legal residence, for the years 1999 - 2002. The August 2004 release of the Natality online database was taken off-line November 12, 2004, and this problem was corrected with the February 2005 release. We apologize, and ask that any data obtained from the Natality online database August 2004 release (available on the internet from September 10, 2004 to November 12, 2004) for the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 is reviewed, or documented with a note stating that for the years 1999-2002, the birth counts indicate the county of birth place, rather than the county of mother's legal residence.
    • Eclampsia: With the release of the Natality data for the 2010 year in December 2012, revisions were made to the 2008 year data for the 5 counties that comprise New York City. The Eclampsia data for these 5 counties was recoded to "Not Reported" for those births that occurred in 2008. Before the December 2012 release, the Eclampsia data was mostly coded to "No" in the New York City area for births in 2008, with 23,139 births reported as "No" and suppressed values in other categories in Bronx county (Bronx Borough); 41,729 births reported as "No" and suppressed values in other categories in Kings county (Brooklyn Borough); 20,469 births reported as "No" and suppressed values in other categories New York county (Manhattan); 31,088 births reported as "No" and suppressed values in other categories in Queens; and 5,816 births reported as "No" and suppressed values in other categories in Richmond county (Staten Island).
    • Fertility Rates:
      • For fertility rates calculated by WONDER before April 19, 2019, when the numerator was sub-set or limited to specific Hispanic Origin categories, then the population denominator was not sub-set or limited accordingly by Hispanic Origin. Thus those fertility rates were calculated with a denominator population for females of all Hispanic Origin categories, with other applicable subsets for mother's race, place of residence or infant's year of birth. This problem was corrected April 19, 2019. We apologize.
      • For fertility rates calculated by WONDER before November 14, 2013, when the numerator was sub-set or limited to specific maternal age groups, then the population denominator was not sub-set or limited accordingly by age. Thus those fertility rates were calculated with a standard denominator population of all females ages 15 - 44 years of age, with other applicable subsets for mother's race, place of residence or infant's year of birth. This problem was corrected November 14, 2013. We apologize.
    • Birth Weight: For birth weight data shown in WONDER before May 8, 2015, 21 births that occurred in year 2011 were erroneously reported in the birth weight category 5000-8165 grams, instead of the "Not stated" birth weight category. These 21 births are now reported in "Not stated" birth weight category.
    • Counties in New York and Virginia in 2014: With the release of the 2007-2015 births data in February 2017, data for some counties in New York and Virginia have been revised for 2014 births based on updated residence population. Refer to the table below for a list of the affected counties.
      Mother's county of Residence      Number of Births in 2014
      County (FIPS) Before After Change
      Queens County, NY (36081) 30,367 30,437 + 70
      Unidentified Counties, NY (36999) 18,813 18,743 - 70
      Chesapeake city, VA (51550) 3,023 3,024 + 1
      Newport News city, VA (51700) 2,817 2,819 + 2
      Norfolk city, VA (51710) 3,637 3,640 + 3
      Richmond city, VA (51760) 2,917 2,918 + 1
      Virginia Beach city, VA (51810) 6,107 6,108 + 1
      Unidentified Counties, VA (51999) 39,122 39,114 - 8
    • Counties in Maryland and New York in 2009: Please note that data for some counties in Maryland and New York differ in WONDER than in the original NCHS Natality births data records for 2009, due to updated residence population. Refer to the table below for a list of the affected counties.
      Mother's county of Residence      Number of Births in 2009
      County (FIPS) WONDER Original Data Change
      Somerset County, MD (24039) * 1 - 1
      Unidentified Counties, MD (24999) 8,646 8,645 + 1
      Bronx County, NY (36005) 23,146 23,137 + 9
      Kings County, NY (36047) 42,225 42,223 + 2
      New York County, NY (36061) 20,350 20,348 + 2
      Queens County, NY (36081) 30,826 30,824 + 2
      Richmond city, NY (36085) 5,795 5,794 + 1
      Unidentified Counties, NY (36999) 20,866 20,882 - 16
        *   Included in Unidentified Counties, MD (24999)
  • Please see Frequently Asked Questions about Natality below.
  • See Locations for more information about changes to state and county areas and codes over time.


  • Frequently Asked Questions about Natality

    • Why are the data results sometimes very slow in returning?

      Some queries may take longer to run, such as 5-way tables or queries that sort through every record.

    • Why are there no records found for a specific county?

      When viewing births sorted "by County," please note that not all counties in a given state show births that were registered in that county. The state total displays all tabulated births for a given state. Some counties are not associated with tabulated births due to confidentiality concerns. Counties with a total population less than 100,000 persons report births under "Unidentified Counties" to protect personal privacy. The label "Unidentified Counties" designates the combined counties with less than 100,000 population in the indicated state. 1995-2002 data show counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 1990 Census. 2003-2013 data show counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2000 Census, and the 2014 data identify counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2010 Census. There are 56 more counties named in the 2014 data than in the 2003-2013 data. There are 66 more counties identified in the 2003-2009 data than in the 1995-2002 data. If there are no records of births for a specific county, then request data for the entire state, grouped by County, to see the state total and the reporting counties for each state. See also Connecticut counties in 2022.

    • What data elements are available in the Natality data?

      Please see Natality Data Items for more information.

    • What other technical notes for this data are available?

      Please see the following sources:

    • What are the data privacy restrictions for Natality data?

      The following restrictions apply to Natality data due to data privacy policies:

      • Counties with a total population less than 100,000 persons report births under "Unidentified Counties" to protect personal privacy. The label "Unidentified Counties" designates the combined counties with less than 100,000 population in the indicated state. 1995-2002 data identify counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 1990 Census. 2003-2013 data identify counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2000 Census. The 2014-2022 data identify counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2010 Census. See also Connecticut counties in 2022.
      • Sub-national data representing fewer than ten (one through nine) live births are suppressed.
      • For more information, see

    • What about data from the August 2004 release?

      The August 2004 release of the Natality Online database in CDC WONDER erroneously displayed the births by place of occurrence, instead of place of mother's legal residence, for the years 1999 - 2002. The Natality online database was taken off line November 12, 2004, and this problem was corrected with the February 2005 release. We apologize, and ask that any data obtained from the Natality online database August 2004 release (available on the internet from September 10, 2004 to November 12, 2004) for the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 is reviewed, or documented with a note stating that for the years 1999-2002, the birth counts report the county of birth place, rather than the county of mother's legal residence.


    Locations - About FIPS State and County Codes

    The FIPS state and county codes were established by the National Bureau of Standards, U.S. Department of Commerce in 1968. This standard set of codes provides names and codes for counties and county equivalents of the 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia reporting area. Counties are considered to be the "first order subdivisions" of each State, regardless of their local designation (county, parish, borough). Washington, D.C.; the consolidated government of Columbus, Georgia; the independent cities of the States of Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia; the census areas and boroughs of Alaska; and that part of Yellowstone Park in Montana are identified as county equivalents. The system is standard throughout the Federal Government. The State codes are ascending, two-digit numbers; the county codes are ascending three-digit numbers. For both the State and county codes, space has been left for new States or counties. Some changes in the FIPS codes have occurred since 1968.

    A modified version of the FIPS state and county codes is used to identify states and counties on NCHS public-use data files. The modifications as implemented in the Natality public-use data are described below.

    Modifications of FIPS State and County Codes

    1. Counties with populations under 100,000 persons are grouped into "Unidentified Counties" (FIPS code 999) to protect privacy.
      • 1995-2002 data shows counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 1990 Census.
      • 2003-2013 data shows counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2000 Census. There are 66 more counties in the 2003-2013 data than in the 1995-2002 data.
      • The 2014-2020 data shows counties with a population of 100,000 persons or more in the year 2010 Census. There are 56 more counties identified in the 2014 data than in the 2003-2013 data. The following counties are identified in 2014, although recoded as "Unidentified Counties" before 2014 because these counties did not meet minimum population standards in the 2000 Census: Houston County, AL (01069); Navajo County, AZ (04017); Faulkner County, AR (05045); Saline County, AR (05125); Bartow County, GA (13015); Carroll County, GA (13045); Columbia County, GA (13073); Coweta County, GA (13077); Douglas County, GA (13097); Fayette County, GA (13113); Forsyth County, GA (13117); Lowndes County, GA (13185); Paulding County, GA (13223); Whitfield County, GA (13313); Bonneville County, ID (16019); DeKalb County, IL (17037); Kendall County, IL (17093); Clark County, IN (18019); Douglas County, KS (20045); Boone County, KY (21015); Hardin County, KY (21093); Warren County, KY (21227); Ascension Parish, LA (22005); Bossier Parish, LA (22015); Livingston Parish, LA (22063); Cecil County, MD (24015); St. Mary's County, MD (24037); Scott County, MN (27139); Wright County, MN (27171); Franklin County, MO (29071); Missoula County, MT (30063); Sandoval County, NM (35043); Tompkins County, NY (36109); Brunswick County, NC (37019); Craven County, NC (37049); Harnett County, NC (37085); Henderson County, NC (37089); Miami County, OH (39109); Canadian County, OK (40017); Adams County, PA (42001); Dorchester County, SC (45035); Pennington County, SD (46103); Wilson County, TN (47189); Comal County, TX (48091); Guadalupe County, TX (48187); Hays County, TX (48209); Kaufman County, TX (48257); Parker County, TX (48367); Cache County, UT (49005); Washington County, UT (49053); Spotsylvania County, VA (51177); Stafford County, VA (51179); Cowlitz County, WA (53015); Berkeley County, WV (54003); Fond du Lac County, WI (55039); Walworth County, WI (55127).
      • After 2013, births data for the following two counties were recoded to the "Unidentified Counties" category within the state, because these counties did not meet minimum population standards: Cape May County, NJ (34009); Portsmouth city, VA (51740).
    2. Data for some counties in New York and Virginia have been revised for 2014 births based on updated residence population. More information.
    3. Data for some counties in Maryland and New York have been revised for 2009 births based on updated residence population. More information.
    4. A portion of Adams county, Colorado (FIPS code 08001) was moved into Broomfield County, Colorado (FIPS code 08014), which was created effective November 15, 2001 from parts of four counties: Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld. However, this new county does not appear on this file.
    5. A portion of Boulder county, Colorado was moved into Broomfield County, Colorado (FIPS code 08014), which was created effective November 15, 2001 from parts of four counties: Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld. However, this new county does not appear on this file.
    6. A portion of Weld county, Colorado was moved into Broomfield County, Colorado (FIPS code 08014), which was created effective November 15, 2001 from parts of four counties: Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld. However, this new county does not appear on this file.
    7. Connecticut reports births for 8 legacy counties, yet population estimates for rate calculations are not available for the 8 legacy counties in 2022. Population estimates aggregated for the 9 county-equivalant planning areas are reported in the "Unidentified Counties" category in Connecticut (FIPS code 09999). See Connecticut counties in 2022.
    8. Dade county, Florida (FIPS code 12025) was renamed Miami-Dade County (FIPS code 12086) effective November 13, 1997. However, the area is coded to Dade (12025) for all years.
    9. The independent city of Baltimore, Maryland (FIPS code 24510) is reported separately from Baltimore county (FIPS code 24005).
    10. The independent city of St. Lois, Missouri (FIPS code 29510) is reported separately from St. Louis county (FIPS code 29189).
    11. Bronx, New York (FIPS code 36005) represents Bronx Borough, New York City.
    12. Kings county, New York (FIPS code 36047) represents Brooklyn Borough, New York City.
    13. New York county, New York (FIPS code 36061) represents Manhattan Borough, New York City.
    14. Queens, New York (FIPS code 36081) represents Queens Borough, New York City.
    15. Richmond county, New York (FIPS code 36085) represents Staten Island Borough, New York City.




    This page last reviewed: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
    This information is provided as technical reference material. Please contact us at cwus@cdc.gov.