A new study finds a narrowing gap between Indian and white women in Oklahoma in access to and usage of prenatal care.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma's American Indian mothers are receiving prenatal care in increasing numbers, according to a report released Wednesday by the Oklahoma Department of Health.

In fact, Oklahoma's American Indian women are as likely as white women to confirm their pregnancies within the first trimester and to receive early prenatal care.

The study, by the Health Department's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, compared data gathered during 2000 to 2005 with a similar report released in 1994.

The comparison showed a narrowing gap between American Indian and white women in Oklahoma in access to and usage of prenatal care.

The new study showed that nearly 77 percent of American Indian mothers received first trimester prenatal care, compared with nearly 79 percent of white mothers.

In contrast, the 1994 report showed that just more than 74 percent of American Indian moms then received prenatal care, compared with nearly 84 percent of white moms.

Also, while more American Indian women than white women in Oklahoma smoked before pregnancy, the American Indian moms were more likely to quit smoking during pregnancy.

The study provides positive news for a state that often makes headlines for its low rankings in health care, said Alicia Lincoln, project manager

"We've done a great job here in the 10 to 15 years since the previous study in turning the disparity into a parity," she said, adding that the study helps determine where work is needed and which programs have made the most impact.

The access to prenatal care is especially important for women who might have a higher risk for chronic health problems, such as diabetes, Lincoln said.

The study also found that nearly a quarter of Oklahoma's American Indian mothers had their first baby before the age of 18, compared with 14.3 percent of white moms.

And American Indian moms were also more likely to be unmarried.

Among the study's recommendations were to:

• Develop culturally sensitive educational programs on the early signs of pregnancy and need for early and continuous prenatal care.
• Explore ways to ensure those needing prenatal care can get an appointment immediately.
• Identify opportunities to educate American Indian women on family planning options and work to change health facilities' policies to allow easier access to birth control prescriptions.

Angel Riggs (405) 528-2465
angel.riggs@tulsaworld.com