Birth Outcomes Dashboard

This data dashboard provides access to statistical information based primarily on aggregate data from Wisconsin birth records. 2022 is the most recent year of data currently available. The data are updated annually, and were last updated January, 1, 2023.

Wisconsin Stat. ch. 69 mandates the State Registrar in the Department of Health Services (DHS) to supervise and direct the collection of birth data. This statute also requires DHS to issue annual statistics based on the data.

Some of the data presented on this page also rely on other data sources, including death records, fetal death reports, and reports of induced terminations of pregnancy. Wisconsin Stat. ch. 69 also governs the collection and use of these kinds of data. See the technical notes, P-01161 (PDF), for more information on the data presented on this page.

Key findings

• Among births in Wisconsin during the 2020–2022 period, 7.8% of infants were considered to have low birth weight <2,500g (5 pounds 8 ounces), 10% were born preterm (infant born prior to 37 weeks of gestation), and 9.6% required specialized medical care and were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• Among the different age groups, there were higher rates of negative health outcomes (low birthweight, preterm birth, and NICU admissions) in younger and older persons who gave birth. Babies born to persons ages 45 years old and older experienced the highest percentages of low birthweights, preterm births, and NICU admissions when compared to any other age group.
• The largest disparity in negative birth outcomes was seen between persons who gave birth who identify as white, and those who identified as Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, multiple races, or those who did not identify their racial or ethnic background ("unknown"). During the 2020–2022 period, persons who identify as Black who gave birth experienced the highest rates of low birth weight and preterm births. Persons who identify as white who gave birth experienced some of the lowest rates.

Suggested citation: Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Office of Health Informatics. Wisconsin Vital Records Data Dashboard, https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/stats/births/birth-outcomes.htm. Birth Outcomes Dashboard, accessed MM/DD/YYYY.

Related links

• Birth and mortality detailed data tables
• Reports and publications from previous years
  • Births and Infant Mortality
  • Mortality
• WISH Data Query System (births, infant deaths, and other topics)
• Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
• Copies of vital records

If you have any questions, please email the Division of Public Health Data Resource Center at DHSDPHDataResourceCenter@dhs.wisconsin.gov.