How Much Money Can Early Prenatal Care for Teen Pregnancies Save?: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Abstract

Background: Pregnant teens in the United States are at high risk for not obtaining prenatal care and for having low-birth weight deliveries. This observation suggests that significant cost savings might be realized if teens were able to obtain prenatal care in a timely fashion.Methods: To determine the optimal time for teens to start prenatal care, we conducted a cost-benefit analysis from the perspective of Medicaid, the predominant payer for pregnancy-related services for teens. Cost projections were based on current recommended prenatal care testing, the cost of vaginal and cesarean deliveries, and the estimated costs for care of the child in the first year of life. We then compared average cost per person and performed sensitivity analyses based on when prenatal care would have started.Results: Compared with no prenatal care, any prenatal care saves between $2,369 and $3,242 per person, depending on when care is initiated. All savings are related to reductions in the cost of caring for low-birth weight babies. We found no cost advantage to starting prenatal care earlier compared with later months. Conclusion

Preterm birth and reduced birthweight in first and second teenage pregnancies: a register-based cohort study

“…It is also possible that the increased risk of poor pregnancy outcome in the second teenage pregnancy is related to less prenatal care in the second pregnancy than in the first. Teenage pregnant women, mainly those having second teenage pregnancy, are less likely to seek prenatal care than adult pregnant women [15,33,34]. …”

Characteristics of Women Who Do Not Seek Prenatal Care and Implications for Prevention

“…Financial barriers to care continue to affect women, not only because of the cost of health care for the working poor but also because of logistic barriers such as transportation, inability to miss work for appointments and care for other children while attending appointments. On a systems level, it should be considered that if women do receive prenatal care, financial savings are related to decreased costs of caring for low birth weight babies (Hueston, Quattlebaum, & Benich, 2008). For this population who are having logistical difficulties obtaining care rather than denying or concealing their pregnancy, public health nurses may be an untapped resource (Strass & Billay, 2008).…”

Addressing the Scholarly Activity Requirements for Residents: One Program's Solution

“…This program has produced more than 24 presentations during national and international meetings of medical societies, and 15 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Many projects have been presented during meetings of state and regional medical organizations. Expenses for travel associated with accepted presentations are provided by the sponsoring institution as a benefit to the residents.…”