Prenatal care can help prevent health problems for moms and babies but it is most effective when it starts early and continues throughout the pregnancy. Adequate prenatal care is therefore defined as prenatal care that starts in the first 4 months of pregnancy and where at least 80% of the recommended visits are attended. 

The percentage of pregnancies that received adequate prenatal care has increased since 2019. While there was no real change in the percentage of birthing people receiving prenatal care in the 1st trimester during this time (68.6% in 2019 vs. 69.1% in 2022) there was a decrease in the percentage of birthing people who didn't receive any prenatal care or didn't start it until the 3rd trimester (8.3% in 2019 vs. 6.4% in 2022). One factor likely contributing to these changes is the expansion of prenatal and postpartum Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals in Ohio. However, despite these noted improvements, a racial disparity in the percentage of adequate prenatal care remains (Blacks 68.8% vs. Whites 79.3%). Historical traumas and mistreatment, as well as the continued inequalities and underrepresentation in healthcare, have bred medical mistrust among Blacks and other minority groups; which is associated with lower healthcare utilization - as may be the case here with prenatal care.