Home / Health / Florida Moms' Prenatal Care Crisis Worsens
Florida Moms' Prenatal Care Crisis Worsens
30 May
Summary
- 11.4% of Florida's pregnant women receive late or no prenatal care.
- Lack of access to transportation and childcare are key barriers.
- Programs like BH IMPACT and TMCP aim to improve care access.
In Florida, 11.4 percent of pregnant women are experiencing delayed or no prenatal care, marking a significant 25 percent increase over the past three years. This situation poses serious risks, as it can lead to undetected hypertension, preeclampsia, and developmental issues for the baby. Mental health screenings are also missed, contributing to a concerning maternal death rate.
Numerous barriers hinder access to care, including lack of transportation, childcare challenges, financial insecurity, and inflexible appointment schedules. To combat this, Florida hospitals are collaborating with state and community partners. Programs like Florida BH IMPACT are enhancing providers' capacity to address behavioral health needs through training and psychiatric consultations.
The state's Telehealth Maternity Care Program provides no-cost prenatal and postpartum care remotely, aiming to reduce logistical and financial obstacles. This program served over 6,000 women in 2023-24, improving timely care access and connecting more women to resources like the Healthy Start home visitation initiative. These collective efforts underscore a commitment to building a stronger continuum of care for maternal health.
