Maternal Behaviors and Risks
Factors such as nutrition, substance use, mental and physical stress, access to social services, and the environment can impact maternal health. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is an annual survey of postpartum women designed to measure these factors in each state and to identify groups of women and children at high risk for health problems.
Pregnancy Intention
Self-reported pregnancy intention among Arkansas mothers (2021)
Maternal Depression
Percent of Arkansas mothers reporting symptoms of postpartum depression
19.7%
(2021)
2.7%
of Arkansas women experienced
intimate partner violence (IPV)
during pregnancy
(2021)
About These Data
PRAMS is an ongoing state-based system for monitoring maternal behaviors, attitudes, and experiences in the perinatal period. PRAMS data are collected through a mixed-mode mail and telephone survey of a sample of mothers who give birth to a living infant during any calendar year. Annually, the survey is administered to between 1,000 and 3,000 women in Arkansas. The data in this scorecard reflect the most recent state-level estimates that include Arkansas. In 2022, Arkansas’ PRAMS program did not meet the 50% response rate required for public reporting. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s PRAMS page to learn more.
What These Data Tell Us
PRAMS data provide estimates of maternal and infant health indicators that are representative of each participating state. Program planners and policy makers use PRAMS data to monitor changes in the measured indicators over time and identify opportunities to improve maternal and infant health. While the PRAMS program makes every effort to collect data from a representative sample of postpartum women, PRAMS surveys are completely voluntary. Response rates can vary by factors such as participant location, language, and education, which may bias results. The data are also based on self-report and some participants may provide inaccurate data because they cannot recall the answer or their understanding of a question is different than its intent. Additionally, due to the long data collection and aggregation process, PRAMS data are not available in the same year they are collected.
The postpartum period is characterized by many physical and emotional changes for new mothers. Access to healthcare in the postpartum period is critical to healthy outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Depression is one of the most common maternal complications and may occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period. In addition to impacting the wellbeing of mothers, maternal depression may impact mother-infant bonding and child development. Increasing the proportion of women who get screened for postpartum depression is a Healthy People 2030 objective.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue that affects many women and is more common during pregnancy. Experiencing IPV during pregnancy can have a significant impact on mothers and infants, including increased chance of preterm birth, fetal injury, depression, anxiety, and maternal death. Improving screening and counseling for women experiencing IPV can promote healthy outcomes for women and children.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Tobacco use and alcohol consumption during pregnancy are linked to negative pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm births, sudden infant death syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Reducing rates of tobacco use and alcohol consumption among pregnant women through screening, counseling, treatment, and community-based interventions are Healthy People 2030 goals.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Use of effective birth control can help prevent unintended pregnancies and promote healthy pregnancy spacing, improving long-term health outcomes for mothers and babies. Reducing the proportion of unintended pregnancies and pregnancies conceived within 18 months of a previous birth are Healthy People 2030 goals.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Breastfeeding has short- and long-term health benefits for both mothers and infants. Apart from providing the baby with ideal nutrition to support growth and development, breastfeeding has been shown to lower a child’s risk of infections, asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome. Breastfeeding can also reduce a mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Folic acid is an important dietary nutrient that is especially critical during pregnancy, as it can prevent some birth defects. Taking multivitamins during pregnancy and breastfeeding is an effective way to increase folic acid intake. Increasing the proportion of women of childbearing age who get enough folic acid is a Healthy People 2030 goal.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risks of periodontal disease and cavities. Periodontal disease may also increase the risk of preterm birth. Oral health care during pregnancy can improve health outcomes for mother and baby.
Source(s): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Assessment Monitoring System, Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health Indicators. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
