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Across the region, more families are choosing UVA Health for both routine and high-risk pregnancy care, continuing a steady upward trend in births in the past several years. UVA Health University Medical Center welcomed a record 2,640 newborns in 2025 — up from 2,408 in 2024 and 2,316 in 2023. Additionally, nearly 1,900 babies were born at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center and close to 600 at UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center in 2025. 

Demand for maternal-fetal care continues to grow, putting UVA Health on track for another possible record year of births in 2026.

Why Numbers Are Rising

Several trends are contributing to this “baby boom,” including more complex pregnancies, reduced access to obstetric services in some surrounding communities, and UVA Health’s continued expansion of obstetrics providers and outreach clinics in locations including Crozet, Zion Crossroads, and Louisa. 

“The goal is to keep high-risk maternity patients at their local provider so they can deliver in their community,” explains Robin Longo, MSN, RN, C-EFM, Nursing Director, UVA Health Children's and Inpatient Women's Services. “If they need to come to University Medical Center, they’re already in our system and have that connection. It shows not only the great care our physician team is providing, but also the quality that UVA Health can offer to women in the community.”

Supporting a Growing Patient Population

As families continue to come to UVA Health for both routine and high-risk pregnancies, providing the best care for them will continue to be a team effort. "We are grateful to the frontline teams who have made this increase in the number of deliveries possible, while always maintaining safety as a priority," says Chris Chisholm, MD, who joined the UVA Health Maternal and Fetal Medicine in 2002. 

Supporting the UVA Health strategic plan, Longo says the units are continuing to work on retention efforts, adding new team members, and maximizing bed space to keep up with demand. “It’s a great time to be part of UVA Health Children's and Inpatient Women's Services — and I’m excited about what’s to come!”

The Lasting Impact of a Birth Story

For the physicians, nurses, midwives, and care teams — making a lasting difference in the lives of growing families within our community is deeply rewarding. No matter how busy things get, Longo makes sure to take the time to remind her nurses about the crucial role they play in each birth experience. 

“A birth story is told forever,” she explains. “A patient may, over time, forget your name. But they will never forget the story of giving birth to their child. We have the unique benefit of being part of a story that continues for a lifetime.”