Mom Baby | Community Health Network
  • Central Indiana Alliance For Health Equity

Mother and Baby Health

Within Marion County, Indiana, four healthcare systems are working together to improve health care FOR ALL. Together, they are looking at how race and ethnicity affect mother and baby health.

Prenatal Care

In 2023, Black or AA mothers were about 2 times more likely to Not receive prenatal care in the 1st trimester.

In 2023, Black or AA mothers were about 2 times more likely to not receive prenatal care in the 1st trimester

Birth Weight

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 2 times more likely to be born with a Low Birth Weight (<2500 grams).

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 2 times more likely to be born with a low birth weight

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 2 times more likely to be born with a Very Low Birth Weight (<1500 grams).

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 2 times more likely to be born with a very low birth weight

Preterm Birth

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 2 times more likely to be born Very preterm (28-31 weeks).

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 2 times more likely to be born very preterm.

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 4 times more likely to be born Extremely preterm (22-27 weeks).

In 2023, Black or AA babies were about 4 times more likely to be born extremely preterm.

What does this mean?

Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die. Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Doctors also can talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their unborn babies a healthy start to life.

What should I do?

  • If you've missed your cycle, take a pregnancy test. There are many places where these are free.
  • If you're pregnant, make an appointment with an OB as early as possible in the pregnancy.
  • Discuss any problems you might have following your doctors' directions, including money.
  • Speak up about your needs.

Methods, Assumptions and Notes

Patient Selection:

  • A recorded birth where the birth facility belonged to one of the following healthcare systems: Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Franciscan Health, or IU Health.
  • The date of birth was during the measure year.
  • The residential county for the mother was Marion County, Indiana.
  • The estimated weeks of gestation was at least 22 weeks.

Race and Ethnicity:
Regardless of the infant's race, if the infant was identified as "Hispanic or Latinx", then they are represented within that category.

References:

  1. Epidemiology Department, DR3512. Health Equity 2018: The State of Health in Marion County. Marion County Public Health Department. 2018; Indianapolis, IN. https://marionhealth.org/marion-county-health-equity-report/ Accessed June 2022.
  2. Office on Women's Health. Prenatal Care: Why do I need prenatal care? https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/prenatal-care Accessed June 2022.

This report was prepared by the Indiana Health Information Exchange and in collaboration with Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Franciscan Health, and IU Health. Data for this project originates from the Indiana Network for Patient Care data providers. This report is provided “as-is” and the Indiana Health Information Exchange and its partners do not guarantee and expressly disclaim all representations and warranties regarding the accuracy of this report. Any use or reliance on this information is at the user’s sole risk.

This report is not comparable with IDOH MCH reporting due to differences in the data sources.