Prenatal Care 

What has prenatal care done for the world  ? 

Here is up to date Fact sheet N°348 from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the effect of Prenatal Care on Maternal Mortality. 
 

• Every day, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. 
• 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. 
• Maternal mortality is higher in women living in rural areas and among poorer communities. 
• Young adolescents face a higher risk of complications and death as a result of pregnancy than older women. 
• Skilled care before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborn babies. 
• Between 1990 and 2013, maternal mortality worldwide dropped by almost 50%.

Is this drop in maternal mortality relate due to improved prenatal care ? 

"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 bene cut in half since 1990, it is still unacceptably high. Nearly 300,000 women died from such complications listed above worldwide in 2013. For every one of those, 20 more had serious complications. 

Reference: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs348/en/

Those in developed countries should be encouraged. Awareness of the necessity and long term value of prenatal care is increasing.

See Halftheskymovement.org

Powerful planning in the service of Women's and Children's health is also underway : 

See: Strategies for Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality 

The above report was the result of the following conference. 

• In April 2014, United Nations (UN) agencies, donors, country stakeholders
  and other development partners came together in Bangkok, Thailand for a “Consultation on targets and strategies for ending preventable maternal mortality (EPMM)”.  

• The meeting was convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Maternal Health Task Force (MHTF), and the Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP), with support from agencies and donors, and input from the EPMM Working Group. It was attended by over 95 participants from 34 countries, most of which are challenged with high rates of maternal mortality. 

• The consultation affirmed that ending preventable maternal mortality is within reach, and that the necessary acceleration of progress can be achieved by positioning maternal survival in the context of every woman’s right to health care and the highest attainable level of health across the life course.  

- See more at: https://gina-nelson.squarespace.com/prenatal-visitstesting-opportunities#sthash.rrOUuGik.dpuf

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 JC

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.

Prenatal care in our country may not be perfect but it is really pretty amazing. 

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