Prenatal Care 

What has prenatal care done for the world  ? 

• As of 2023, every day, approximately 700 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

• About 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. 

• The risk of maternal death is highest for adolescent girls under 15. . 

• Skilled care before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborn babies. 

• Between 2000 and 2023, maternal mortality worldwide dropped by almost 40% worldwide. .

"Five direct complications account for most of maternal deaths: haemorrhage, infection, unsafe abortion, eclampsia (very high blood pressure leading to seizures), and obstructed labour. While these are the main causes of maternal death, unavailable, inaccessible, unaffordable, or poor quality care is fundamentally responsible. Maternal deaths are detrimental to social development and wellbeing, as some 1 million children are left motherless each year. These children are more likely to die within 1-2 years of their mothers' death." 

Although the rate of mortality has been cut, it is still unacceptably high. Nearly 260,000 women died from such complications listed above.

reference: Maternal Mortality

How can women’s lives be saved?

Causes are maternal death are largely preventable. Prenatal care, birth attendance by skilled professionals, and postpartum care can address these preventable causes of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Reference: SDG Target 3.1: Reduce the global maternal mortality ration to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.

Are there barriers to prenatal care in the United States ?

Here is some fairly recent data about barriers to prenatal care in the States: 

" Women may not be motivated to seek care, especially for unintended pregnancies. Societal and maternal reasons cited for poor motivation include a fear of medical procedures or disclosing the pregnancy to others, depression, and a belief that prenatal care is unnecessary. Structural barriers include long wait times, the location and hours of the clinic, language and attitude of the clinic staff and provider, the cost of services, and a lack of child-friendly facilities." 

from: 

Women's perceptions of access to prenatal care in the United States: a literature review.

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2009 May-Jun;54(3):219-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2009.01.002.Phillippi J

From Womenshealth.gov: 

The good news is that women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies.

Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice, and other services important for a healthy pregnancy.

To find out about the program in your state:

• Call 800-311-BABY (800-311-2229) – This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code.

• Call 800-504-7081 for information in Spanish.

Click below on the Trimester links to see what happens in each trimester of prenatal care. 

First Trimester Prenatal Care 

Second trimester Prenatal Care 

Third trimester Prenatal Care