Assessing the role and effectiveness of prenatal care: History, challenges, and directions for future research

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of prenatal care, the evidence for its effectiveness remains equivocal and its primary purpose and effects continue to be a subject of debate. To provide some perspective on why the effectiveness and organization of prenatal care continue to be debated, the authors (a) briefly review the history of the development of prenatal care in the US; (b) attempt to conceptually define prenatal care in terms of its utilization, content, and quality; and, (c) highlight some of the research controversies and challenges facing investigators and advocates who seek to establish the value of prenatal care. In addition, the authors recommend directions for future research to address persistent questions regarding the function, structure, and significance of prenatal care in improving US perinatal outcomes.

Factors Related to the Seeking and Contribution of Prenatal Care Among Ethnically Diverse Adolescents

“…Our study would support Moos' thinking. To improve upon PNC today, additional variables must be considered such as availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, types/mix of health care providers, continuity, comprehensiveness, satisfaction, and cultural competence (Alexander and Kotelchuck 2001). Furthermore, the current schedule of PNC visits and current content lacks support; new models of PNC are needed for improved perinatal outcomes (Lathrop and Pritham 2015).…”

Atenção à saúde e mortalidade neonatal: estudo caso-controle realizado em Campinas, SP

“…Outros autores têm encontrado associação entre indicadores de qualidade do cuidado pré-natal e os resultados perinatais 31,[33][34][35] . Com relação à opção de escolha para o hospital do parto, o município de Campinas oferece parto em 13 hospitais.…”

Geographic Accessibility to Health Services and Neonatal Mortality Among Very-Low Birthweight Infants in South Carolina

“…Vintzileos, Ananth, Smulian, Scorza, & Knuppel (2002) reported that among infants born preterm and term, the risks of neonatal death were increased among mothers who did not receive prenatal care during pregnancy as compared to those mothers who did receive prenatal care during pregnancy. Alexander and Kotelchuck (2001) present some of the challenges in assessing the role of prenatal care and evaluating its benefit to maternal and infant health outcomes and suggests for the improvement of current definitions on the quality and measurement of this health service for women of varying socioeconomic, cultural, and medical backgrounds. Despite these challenges, prenatal care is regarded as a fundamental preventive tool in affecting maternal and infant health.…”