Natality (births)

Natality data are used to monitor trends in mother and infant health during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and birth. Risk factors for poor birth outcomes for both mothers and infants can be identified by studying prenatal care utilization, characteristics of pregnancy and birth, trends in delivery methods, and other risk factors for poor birth outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm delivery) many of which differ by race/ethnicity, age, education, and urban/rural status.

Key natality statistics for Minnesota in 2020

• Number of births to Minnesota residents: 63,462 
• Birth rate: 11.2 per 1,000 population
• Fertility rate: 58.4 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years
• Percent born low birth-weight: 6.7%
• Percent preterm (< 37 weeks gestation): 9.1%

For national information, please see the National Vital Statistics System Natality Data.