Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)

Beginning in June 2025, the Allegheny County Health Department launched the local Allegheny County Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). This ongoing, population-based survey invites residents who had a recent live birth, typically between two to six months ago, to share their experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. The goal is to better understand the needs of families and improve health outcomes for both parents and babies. The survey follows the structure and standards of the CDC’s national PRAMS program while focusing specifically on the experiences of families in Allegheny County.

Allegheny County PRAMS Data

Allegheny County PRAMS collects information by reaching out to new moms via mail a few months after they give birth and inviting them to complete a survey about their pregnancy, delivery, and early postpartum experiences. Participants are selected through a random sampling process, with additional sampling of Black moms to ensure their experiences are fully represented. Participants receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card for completing the survey. Since PRAMS uses a sampling design, not every parent receives a survey. Surveys are completed online and responses are kept confidential. This approach helps researchers gather meaningful, population‑based insights that reflect the diverse experiences of families across Allegheny County.

PRAMS Data Drives Healthier Outcomes

PRAMS data helps the health department understand the experiences, needs, and challenges faced by birthing families in Allegheny County. Responses are analyzed to identify trends in maternal and infant health, inform program planning, and guide improvements in services such as prenatal care, postpartum support, and breastfeeding resources. The insights gathered through PRAMS are also used to support community initiatives, shape public health priorities, and strengthen policies that promote healthier outcomes for parents and babies.

Project Timeline

PRAMS launched locally in June 2025. Cycle I ran through June 2026, and data analysis is currently underway. Cycle II will begin in September 2026 and runs through September 2027. As findings become available, the PRAMS team will share updates, reports, and visualizations.

As the project continues, this webpage will expand to include:

An interactive dashboard
A storymap highlighting key findings
Downloadable reports and fact sheets
Educational materials for families and community partners

Join PRAMS

The team still wants to hear from the Allegheny County community! In addition to the official PRAMS sample, the Health Department is now offering a PRAMS Open Participation Survey for moms who were not selected that still want to share their experiences. This open survey covers many of the same topics as PRAMS and gives families another opportunity to share their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. It also helps researchers pilot new questions and methods for future cycles. While this survey is not part of the formal PRAMS sample and does not include an incentive, every response provides valuable insight and helps strengthen the understanding of the needs of families across Allegheny County.

PRAMS Open Participation Survey

Get Involved

Stay connected with PRAMS by signing up for the newsletter to receive updates, early findings, and upcoming opportunities. Parents that were not selected for PRAMS are welcome to participate through a supplemental survey. Personal experiences help the team better understand the needs of families across Allegheny County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were certain participants selected?

Participants are chosen through a random sampling process designed to represent families across Allegheny County. Not every new mom will receive a survey.

Do answers stay confidential?

Yes. Responses are kept confidential and are only used for public health planning and research.

Does the survey affect benefits or medical care?

No. PRAMS participation does not impact WIC, Medicaid, insurance, or medical services.

How long does the survey take?

On average, the survey takes about 25 minutes to complete.

How will participants receive their gift card?

Gift cards are sent electronically to the email address provided in the survey after it is completed. Please allow 1-2 weeks for the gift card to be processed and received. The gift card is only provided to participants who complete the full PRAMS survey; partial completion of the survey does not qualify for a gift card. Contact the PRAMS team at DRDC_CDE@alleghenycounty.us for more information about gift cards.

Can a participant receive more than one gift card?

No. Each selected PRAMS participant is eligible for one gift card per survey cycle.

Do participants have to live in Allegheny County to take the survey?

Not necessarily. If the birth took place in Allegheny County, participants can still complete the survey even if they live elsewhere.

Can the survey be completed in multiple stages?

Yes, the survey response can be paused and returned to later using the link sent in the invitation.

Why is there an open PRAMS survey?

The open survey allows Allegheny County to hear from more families and learn about experiences that may not be fully captured through the PRAMS sample alone. It also helps determine new questions and methods for future PRAMS cycles.

How is the open participation survey different from PRAMS?
The open participation survey is not part of the official PRAMS sampling design and is not weighted to represent the full population. Instead, it provides additional context, emerging themes, and piloting opportunities.

Is the open participation survey anonymous?
Yes. Just like PRAMS, responses are confidential and personal information is not shared outside the project.

Is there an incentive for the open participation survey?
No. Unlike PRAMS, this survey does not include an incentive. Participation is greatly appreciated and helps strengthen the understanding of local experiences.

Who can take the open participation survey?
Any parent who gave birth within the past six months in Allegheny County and wishes to share their pregnancy and postpartum experiences.

Can a participant take both surveys if selected for PRAMS?
No. If selected for PRAMS, please complete the official PRAMS survey instead.

Will the results from the open participation survey appear in future reports?
Yes, and the results will be clearly labeled as convenience sample results. They may be used to identify emerging issues, refine questions, or provide context alongside PRAMS findings.

Contact the PRAMS Team

To get in contact with the PRAMS team, please email DRDC_CDE@alleghenycounty.us.