Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)

PRAMS logo 2023

PRAMS is a survey of new mothers conducted by Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). PRAMS gathers information from mothers about their experiences before, during, and after their most recent pregnancy. PRAMS is the only source of this information in Washington.

Why should I participate?

Only a few women are randomly selected each month from birth records. PRAMS survey answers give us information about access to health care, quality of health care, and other circumstances that may affect the health of the mother and her new baby.

What Washington Mothers Say

Four babies sitting in a row
“Thank you for allowing me to share my experience to help others.”
“I had a great experience during my time of pregnancy and received the best healthcare I've had in my lifetime. Although I lost my job early in my pregnancy, I am so thankful that I was able to receive insurance through the state of WA.”
“This project is a wonderful idea and hope my input can help other mothers and their children. If you need any further help, please feel free to contact me. I would love to help out in any way.”
“There was a lot of talk about Post-Partum Depression, which was great. I would have liked to see the hospital (or other service) offer a Post-Partum Depression support group for new mother's that is open /acceptable to bring newborns to.”
“I really appreciate this kind of research for all mothers and babies.”

How are my answers used?

Your answers are combined with those from other women (no identifiable data is released). This information is used by local and State agencies to plan maternal and infant health programs and policies that help pregnant women. 

PRAMS Data Collection

In Washington, about 2,000 surveys are sent to participants each year. Approximately 200 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 web survey option along with 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.

Questions and Contact

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

For more information on PRAMS, please see the CDC PRAMS website