New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2024

Media Contact: Kyle Casteel

Communication Office │ Department of Health

New Report Shows Progress on Health During Pregnancy

Officials highlight decreased use of alcohol and cigarettes while new challenges emerge

WATERBURY, VT — New data from a survey of people who recently gave birth found improvements in health behaviors since 2016, including high rates of prenatal care and breastfeeding, and a reduction in drinking and cigarette use during pregnancy.

The data comes from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, which asks a sample of people about their experiences before and after giving birth about substance use, mental health, preventive care and more. The new report covers 2016 to 2022.

“The progress we’re seeing is encouraging and a testament to the care and support Vermonters have for their families,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “Reducing health risks and increasing prevention during this critical time improves health for babies and families.”

Despite several positive trends, the data also highlights areas of concern, including increased use of cannabis and e-cigarettes before and during pregnancy. Reports of depression before and during pregnancy are also on the rise.

“Health care professionals, social service providers and partners can use this data to continue our strong collaborations and focus our efforts in supporting families,” Dr. Levine said.

Health officials pointed to programs including WIC, Support Delivered, Strong Families Vermont Home Visiting and Vermont’s Perinatal Quality Collaborative as drivers of positive outcomes for expecting families. The Health Department was recently awarded a state Maternal Health Innovation grant of $5 million over the next five years to improve health during the perinatal period — before and after birth.

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Highlights

Areas of improvement:

98% of pregnant people attend at least one prenatal care visit
Cigarette use during pregnancy decreased from 18% in 2016 to 10% in 2022
12% of pregnant people report drinking during pregnancy compared to 17% in 2016
97% of people successfully start breastfeeding/chestfeeding when their baby is born and 85% continue for at least eight weeks
100% of new Vermont parents report having a car seat in their vehicle

Areas of concern:

E-cigarette use during pregnancy doubled from 2% in 2016 to 4% in 2022
8% of pregnant people used cannabis in 2016, in 2022 that number increased to 10%
Reports of depression before and during pregnancy increased in the six-year survey period
97% of people who give birth in Vermont take parental leave, but most report they did not feel they had enough time off

See the full Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Report.

# # #

Translated Information – Print, video and audio resources are translated into many of the languages used in Vermont. Visit HealthVermont.gov/Translations for searchable tables of documents in each of the nine languages – including about preventing illness, healthy homes, and staying safe and healthy during extreme events like storms, power outages, hurricanes, and flooding.

About the Department of Health

We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.

Visit HealthVermont.gov ─ Join us @HealthVermont on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube