WICHITA, Kan. — State health officials are investigating issues affecting pregnant women and new mothers in Kansas. They interviewed women in the months following the birth of the baby.
The answers are summarized in the Kansas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the latest data is for 2019.
Here are some notable findings from the 2019 Kansas PRAMS Survey:
- One in eight mothers (12.1%) who received antenatal care reported not receiving antenatal care when they wished. Among those who did not receive antenatal care when needed or did not receive antenatal care, the most frequently reported barrier was the inability to make appointments when needed (36.4%). ), And I didn’t make a reservation. I know they are pregnant (32.5%).
- More than 1 in 6 mothers (16.9%) smoked cigarettes 3 months before pregnancy. Of those who smoked three months before pregnancy and received antenatal care, 79.4% reported that their healthcare professionals recommended quitting smoking during their antenatal care visit.
- More than one in eight mothers (13.8%) reported that they thought they needed treatment and counseling for depression after their baby was born, but did not.
- Three in four mothers (72.1%) reported breastfeeding their babies for at least eight weeks.
- More than 1 in 17 women (6.1%) report having at least “many” difficulties in at least one of six tasks (seeing, listening, walking, remembering, concentrating, self-care, communication) Did.
Kansas has been in PRAMS for three years. Meanwhile, KDHE states that reports of prenatal care in early pregnancy increased from 85.7% of women giving birth in 2017 to 90.0% of women giving birth in 2019.
For example, non-Hispanic black women and Hispanic women who gave birth between 2017 and 2019 had a lower prevalence of self-reported early pregnancy prenatal care than non-Hispanic white women. ..
“This report reveals many gaps that still need to be addressed,” said Dr. Farah Ahmed of KDHE in a statement. “For example, many women report that they need counseling for depression after giving birth, and miss the opportunity to encourage all pregnant women who smoke during their prenatal care visits to quit smoking. You can also see that there is. “
