Understanding Differences in Preterm Births and Fetal Losses

Racial disparities in preterm births and fetal losses

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11115740

This project explores why Black mothers experience higher rates of early births and fetal losses, and how these outcomes compare to white mothers and infants.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11115740 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Preterm birth, or being born before 37 weeks, can lead to serious health challenges for babies. We know that non-Hispanic Black mothers have a higher chance of delivering early compared to non-Hispanic white mothers. Historically, Black infants born early sometimes showed better health and survival at the same gestational age, but this information is decades old. This project will use a vast collection of birth and death records from across the U.S. to see if these patterns have changed over time, especially since 2000. We hope to understand the complex reasons behind these differences, including the impact of societal factors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project uses existing health records and does not involve direct patient participation.

Not a fit: Patients seeking direct medical intervention or clinical trial participation will not find immediate benefit from this data analysis project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide crucial insights into racial disparities in birth outcomes, helping to inform strategies for improving maternal and infant health for all families.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored these disparities, but this project aims to provide updated and more comprehensive insights using a structural racism framework.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.