Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Information for Researchers

Examples of the Topics in the PRAMS Survey:

  • Unintended pregnancy
  • Availability, content and quality of prenatal care
  • Patterns of smoking and alcohol drinking
  • Second-hand smoke exposure to babies
  • Medicaid and WIC participation
  • Breastfeeding
  • Babies' health and care
  • Physical abuse
  • Folic acid awareness
  • HIV counseling
  • Babies' sleep position and co-sleeping
  • Medical complications of pregnancy, labor, or delivery affecting the mother
  • Postpartum depression
  • Oral health

WA PRAMS Surveys

2000-2003 Phase 4: PRAMS Survey 4 (PDF)

2004-2008 Phase 5: PRAMS Survey 5 (PDF)

2009-2011 Phase 6: PRAMS Survey 6 (PDF)

2012-2015 Phase 7: PRAMS Survey 7 (PDF)

2016-2018 Phase 8: PRAMS Survey 8 (PDF)

Spanish versions available.

picture of the PRAMS logo
The PRAMS survey answers give us information about what behaviors and factors may affect the health of the mother and her new baby. The answers help us to learn more about ways to improve the health of mothers and babies in Washington.

PRAMS Background

PRAMS was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1987. Washington PRAMS began to collect data in June of 1993. The PRAMS survey asks about topics related to risk factors before and during pregnancy and infancy, access to prenatal and children's health care, and content of prenatal care.

PRAMS Data Collection

In Washington, about 2,200 surveys are sent to participants each year. Approximately 206 mothers are drawn each month from birth certificate data using a random sample based on race and ethnicity. The sample includes the following racial/ethnic groups: White not Hispanic, African American not Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander not Hispanic, Native American not Hispanic, and Hispanic.

Washington PRAMS collects data through a statewide mailing of the survey. The PRAMS survey is sent to new mothers two to six months after they deliver their babies. Telephone follow-up is done for those who do not respond to the mailing. The mail and telephone surveys are available in English and Spanish. Washington PRAMS' weighted response rate for 2018 was 62%.

PRAMS Data

PRAMStat is an online data platform developed to provide public access to over 250 maternal and child health indicators from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Users have the ability to explore data from a single state or select a topic and compare data across states.

Methods and Limitations

PRAMS uses a standardized data collection methodology developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each state conducting PRAMS uses the same methodology, but can adapt the procedures to meet the needs of the state.

PRAMS data are self-reported by new mothers and may be subject to potential sources of error. Women may not recall events prior to or during the early part of their pregnancies. In addition, they may be hesitant to report on behaviors perceived to be unhealthy. We do not know the extent to which such errors may be occurring in these data.

For more information on PRAMS, please see the CDC PRAMS website or contact:

Washington State PRAMS Data

PRAMS Coordinator

Washington State Department of Health

Prevention and Community Health

PO Box 47835

Olympia, WA 98504-7835

(360) 236-3576

E-mail: WAPRAMS@doh.wa.gov

Image of PRAMStat logo

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