What is PRAMS?

Maryland PRAMS is a project to help us learn why some babies are born healthy and others are not. One out of every 35 women who gave birth each month is selected, at random, to participate in the PRAMS project. These mothers are sent a survey, which is available in both English and Spanish, and they are asked to provide answers to questions about their behaviors and experiences before, during and shortly after pregnancy. With this information, we can work to improve health for all mothers and babies. There are 36 states, New York City and South Dakota (Yankton Sioux Tribe) in addition to Maryland who participate in the PRAMS project (Participating States).

Why Maryland joined PRAMS

Each year in Maryland there are hundreds of babies born with serious health problems and some of these babies do not survive. Many things in a mother's life and pregnancy may affect her health and the health of her unborn child. We ask questions to try and gain an understanding of some of the things that occurred during the new mother’s pregnancy as well as during the time shortly after she gave birth. No matter how a mother's pregnancy went, her answers will help us learn more about ways to improve the chances for future mothers and babies in Maryland

Maryland Mothers

Beginning with babies born in January 2000, Maryland started surveying between 150-220 new mothers each month. Approximately one out of every 35 women who have given birth to a live baby in Maryland is randomly selected to participate in PRAMS. All survey answers are strictly confidential. Approximately 4,300 mothers who delivered live babies in 2005 or 2006 were sent PRAMS surveys. These women are a diverse group: 56% are white, 38% are African American, and 6% are Hispanic.

PRAMS Funding

Maryland PRAMS is a surveillance project supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Center for Maternal and Child Health (CMCH), Vital Statistics Administration, and Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) have a cooperative agreement with the CDC to participate in PRAMS. Maryland’s agreement with the CDC currently runs through April 14, 2011.

Steering Committee

The Maryland PRAMS Steering Committee advises PRAMS staff in the development and selection of state-specific questions and on the use, dissemination, and application of findings.  The Steering Committee may use PRAMS findings to guide recommendations for developing or modifying intervention programs or for securing resources for program changes.

Revised 06/2009