Texas cities have some of the highest preterm birth rates in the US, highlighting maternal health crisis nationwide

By: Kobi V. Ajayi, Texas A&M University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 1, 2025

Words: 1,445

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Kobi V. Ajayi, Texas A&M University

Seven years ago, at 30 weeks into a seemingly low-risk pregnancy, I unexpectedly began to bleed. Doctors diagnosed me with complete placenta previa. Then, while on bed rest at 32 weeks, my placenta suddenly ruptured, leading to an immediate emergency cesarean section.

I became one of about 10% of women giving birth in Nigeria to experience a preterm birth, which means before 37 weeks …

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