Association of Prepregnancy Risk Factors With Racial Differences in Preterm Birth Rates.

Preterm birth (PTB) affects approximately one in ten live births in the U.S., is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across the life course.1 Emerging data also demonstrate increased risk after PTB in the birthing individual for CVD and its risk factors (e.g., hypertension).2 There are well-documented racial differences in PTB, with significantly higher rates among non-Hispanic Black than among non-Hispanic White pregnant individuals.