There are also significant racial disparities in who is impacted by preterm birth.  Black people in Oklahoma experienced a preterm birth rate 1.4x higher than any of their peers. Across racial and ethnic groups, the highest rates are observed among black infants (15.9%), followed by Pacific Islander (14.7%) American Indian/Alaska Native (11.3%), White (11%), Hispanic (10.3%), and Asian infants (9.4%).

14.5% of Oklahoma women received inadequate prenatal care in 2023. The 2024 March of Dimes Report Card shares the state of maternal and infant health across the country.  The most recent report indicates that maternal and infant health is worsening for all families.  Oklahoma received a D  for its high preterm birth rate.  The percentage of preterm births has been on the rise in Oklahoma since 2015.  “In Oklahoma, nearly 1 in 8 babies are born too early. That means that in an average week in Oklahoma almost 111 babies are born preterm.”

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.