Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000

CHAPTER 7: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

33. Abortions

The Healthy People 2000 goal is that less than 30% of all pregnancies are unintended.

An unintended or unplanned pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, abortion or adoption.

The number of abortions has generally decreased for all age groups in Mesa County. Abortion is most prevalent among 20-24 year-olds. In 1996 the total number of abortions was 614; only 253 of these were for Mesa County residents, showing that a significant number of people come to Mesa County for an abortion.

May link to . . .

  • Education
  • Economy
  • Family Support
  • Social Environment

Figure 7-3: Percent of Abortions by Age Group, 1996
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Percent of Abortions by Age Group, 1996

34. Percent Births to Unmarried Women

The Healthy People 2000 goal is that at least 90% of sexually active, unmarried people aged 19 and younger use contraceptives.

Almost half (44.4%) of all babies born to unmarried women are born to women in the 20-29 year old group. Teens make up the second largest group at 43.7%.

Percent new mothers in each age group who are unmarried:

  • 10-17 yrs. old — 77.8%
  • 18-19 yrs. old — 60.0%
  • 20-29 yrs. old — 22.7%
  • 30+ yrs. old — 10.8%

Percent of all births that are to unmarried women:

  • 10-17 yrs. old — 20.9%
  • 18-19 yrs. old — 22.8%
  • 20-29 yrs. old — 44.4%
  • 30+ yrs. old — 11.9%

Figure 7-4: Percent of Births of Unwed Mothers
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Percent of Births of Unwed Mothers

35. Prenatal Care Begun after First Trimester

The Healthy People 2000 goal is for no more than 10% of pregnant women to begin prenatal care after the first trimester.

There has been a gradual increase in the percent of pregnant women receiving early prenatal care in Mesa County.

Early prenatal care for pregnant women is critical to giving babies a good start in life. Those receiving late prenatal care have more low-weight births, premature births, and complications.

May link to . . .

  • Insurance Coverage
  • Low-weight Births
  • Infant Mortality
  • Births to Unmarried Women
  • Education Level of Mother

Figure 7-5: Births to Women Who Began Care After First Trimester of Pregnancy
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Births to Women Who Began Care After First Trimester of Pregnancy

36. Low-Weight Births

The Healthy People 2000 goal is that less than 5% of all babies weight less than 2500 grams (5 lbs., 8 oz.) at birth.

Although the institution of the B4 Baby program in 1990 contributed to a lessening of low-weight births during the early 90s, this rate seems to be increasing. This increase is also occurring at state and national levels.

Colorado's altitude may contribute to the state's rate, which is one of the highest in the nation.

May link to . . .

  • Smoking
  • Economy
  • Family Support

Figure 7-6: Percent of Low-Weight Births
 Source: Colorado Vital Statistics, 1996

Percent of Low-Weight Births
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