Reproductive health focuses on the years prior to conception as well as pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Understanding local reproductive health data can assist in planning for the supports women and their families need during this time. Reproductive health information can also contribute to improved local decision making and the establishment of healthy practices and policies for parents and infants.
For more information on pregnancy and related support programs, please visit the health unit's website on pregnancy and before.
These HealthSTATS pages contain data on parental characteristics, health during pregnancy, pregnancy outcome rates, labour and birth, and breastfeeding in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. Provincial comparisons are made where data are available.
Highlights include:
- In 2016, nearly three quarters (72.4%) of pregnant women in Simcoe Muskoka had a vaginal birth.Among the 27.6% of women who delivered via Caesarean section (C-section), nearly half (46.8%) were unplanned.
- In 2016, approximately half (48.7%) of Simcoe Muskoka mothers began their pregnancy with a BMI within the normal range.A quarter (24.4%) were overweight and one in five (21.7%) were obese.
- In 2017, approximately one quarter (24.5%) of new mothers in Simcoe Muskoka attended a prenatal class during their last pregnancy.Over 40% (44.0%) of first time mothers attended classes compared to 6.6% of new mothers who had given birth previously.
- Just under one quarter (23.7%) of Simcoe Muskoka women who gave birth in 2016 reported mental health concerns during their pregnancy, most commonly anxiety and depression.Both anxiety and depression are significantly more common in younger mothers (15-24 years old) than older mothers (25-34 years old or 35-49 years old).