Rates prior to 2014 were collected through administrative claims only, so are less accurate than the 2014 rate which was collected using hybrid (claims + medical record review) methodology.

This measure looks at the percentage of women with Vermont Medicaid insurance who were pregnant and began prenatal care during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Preventive medicine is fundamental to prenatal care. Healthy diet, counseling, vitamin supplements, identification of maternal risk factors and health promotion must occur early in pregnancy to have the best effect on outcome. Early prenatal care is also an essential part of helping a pregnant woman prepare to become a mother. Ideally, a pregnant woman will have her first prenatal visit during the first trimester of pregnancy.