Oklahoma Maternal and Child Health

The leading contributing factor to pregnancy related deaths was lack of knowledge on the part of the patient and/or family for hemorrhage, infection and cardiovascular conditions. It is important to recognize the signs and seek medical attention. Learn more about the importance of the post-birth warning signs in maternal health by visiting Oklahoma.gov/health/maternity



With State Department of Health

According to the CDC, Oklahoma consistently ranks among the states with the worst rates (44th) of maternal deaths in the U.S. The national maternal mortality rate increased over 18% from 2019 to 2020. The three-year maternal mortality rate steadily increased in Oklahoma from 2012 to 2019. Conversely, the rate decreased over 14% from 29.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the 2017-2019 time period to 25.2 in the 2018-2020 time period. However, Oklahoma’s maternal mortality rate is still higher than the national average. Understanding the maternal mortality crisis is the first step towards eliminating preventable maternal deaths. Learn more about Oklahoma strategies addressing maternal deaths by visiting Oklahoma.gov/health/maternity



With Oklahoma State Department of Health

Looking for prenatal care? Visit Oklahoma.gov/health/maternity to see a list of county health departments in your area that are offering services.

Did you know in 1992, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) recommended people capable of becoming pregnant consume 400mcgs of folic acid daily to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs)? To learn more, visit https://www.nbdpn.org/

Eating fortified foods can provide folic acid. Those foods include but are not limited to leafy, dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and juices, and beans. For more information on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle before pregnancy, visit https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/children---family-health/maternal-and-child-health-service/perinatal-and-reproductive-health-/womens-health.html

Folic acid is an important B vitamin that helps the body make new cells every day. Even if you are not currently planning a pregnancy, your body needs folic acid to make new red blood cells and for a healthy heart, skin, hair, and nails. Plus, not all pregnancies are planned, so be prepared! To learn more about the benefits of folic acid with pregnancy, visit cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html

It is important women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day to prevent birth defects. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help with formation of the baby’s spine and brain. Learn more about folic acid and prevention of other birth defects at https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/children-family-health/screening-and-special-services/oklahoma-birth-defects-registry/folic-acid.html

A full-term pregnancy is just slightly over 9 months but a preterm birth occurs when labor begins before 37 weeks. Find out more about premature birth and ways to lower your risk at https://iio.health.ok.gov.

Some causes of preterm birth cannot be change, but women who are healthy during pregnancy are more likely to have a healthy baby. Learn more on what can be done to prevent preterm births at https://iio.health.ok.gov.

Health disparities continue to impact the health and well-being of and communities. Understanding these disparities can better inform health equity efforts. Learn more with the HHS Office of Minority Health: www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/NAHM.

With Oklahoma State Department of Health

HHS Office of Minority Health - Native American Heritage Month