Resources For Moms
Frequently Asked Questions about PRAMS
What is PRAMS?
PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) is a joint research project between the Iowa Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our purpose is to find out why some babies are born healthy and others are not. To do this, our questionnaire asks new mothers questions about their behaviors and experiences around the time of their pregnancy. Each year in Iowa there are hundreds of babies born with serious health problems. Many of these babies die. We need your help to find out why. No matter how your pregnancy went, your answers will help us learn more about ways to improve the chances for future mothers and babies in Iowa.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes-all answers are kept completely private to the extent permitted by law. All answers given on the questionnaires will be grouped together to give us information on Iowa mothers of new babies. In reports from this survey, no woman will be identified by name.
Is it really important that I answer these questions?
Yes! Because of the small number of mothers picked, it is important to have everyone's answers. Every pregnancy is different. To get a better overall picture of the health of mothers and babies in Iowa, we need each mother selected to answer the questions. From the information you give us, we may be able to improve health care for women and children in Iowa. We need to know what went right as well as what went wrong during your pregnancy. Your help is really important to the success of our program.
Some of the questions do not seem related to health care—why are they asked?
Many things in a mother's life may affect her pregnancy. These questions try to get the best picture of the new mother's health care and things that happened to her during pregnancy.
How was I chosen to participate in PRAMS?
Your name was picked by chance, like in a lottery, from the state birth certificate registry. You are one of a small number of women who were chosen to help us in this study.
What if I want to ask more questions about PRAMS?
Please call us the Healthy Families Line toll-free at 1-800-369-2229, and we will be happy to answer any other questions that you may have about PRAMS. If you prefer to complete the questionnaire over the telephone, please call us on the same number.
Resources
General Information
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Breastfeeding Support
Postpartum Nutrition and Weight Loss
Finding Insurance Coverage
Flu and your new baby