Preterm Births

Lookbook Vol. 2

DEFINITION

Preterm birth is defined as a birth that happens before 37 weeks gestation for women of reproductive age reported in 2019.8

11.5 percent

10.2 percent

OKLAHOMA

NATIONAL AVERAGE

Data Highlight:

Oklahoma ranks 45 (of 50) for preterm births. New Hampshire has the lowest preterm birth rate, 8.2 percent, and Mississippi has the highest at 14.6 percent. 8

Why We Care:

Complications due to preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality in the state. Preterm birth can be prevented and is connected to the health and well-being of the mother. 88,89 While there are several reasons why a preterm birth happens, some of the more common reasons preterm births occur are related to high blood pressure, diabetes, poor nutrition, stress, domestic violence, smoking, substance use, and maternal age. When women have access to continuous health care before, during, and after pregnancy, nutritious food, and healthy, robust social support systems, the likelihood of having a preterm birth decreases. 88,89,90

What We Can Do:

- Ensure the implementation of Medicaid expansion includes provisions that covered women before giving birth, increasing the likelihood they will begin pregnancies in better health and their babies will be healthier - Ensure access to mental health resources before, during, and after pregnancy so women experience stress or mental health issues can access care for concerns - Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates so doctors do not feel as limited by the cost of care they can provide

p. 50