Percentage of Pregnant Women Who Received Early Prenatal Care
What does this measure?
This table measures the percentage of pregnant women who received early prenatal care, defined as beginning care during the first trimester, in counties across the Hudson Valley region, including Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. The data spans from 2004 through 2022. It provides insight into how access to or utilization of early prenatal care has shifted over time in each county and statewide.
Summary Statement
While early prenatal care rates have fluctuated over time, the data shows a general decline in several counties from 2015 to 2022. For instance, Orange County dropped from 71.6% in 2015 to 67.3% in 2022, a decrease of 5.9%. Similarly, counties like Westchester and Putnam also saw declines, while some, like Sullivan County, saw improvements. These shifts suggest that fewer pregnant individuals are receiving timely prenatal care in recent years, which could have serious implications for maternal and infant health. Addressing this issue may require stronger community outreach, better access to healthcare providers, and policy changes that prioritize maternal health equity across the region.
Sources
New York State Department of Health
http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chip/index.htm
New York State Department of Health, Community Health Indicator Reports
http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/birth/b21.htm
https://apps.health.ny.gov/public/tabvis/PHIG_Public/chirs/reports/#state