title: Prenatal care.
abstract: Available evidence suggests that prenatal care has played an important role in reducing maternal and infant mortality. Medical surveillance throughout pregnancy is the foundation of prenatal care and should be enhanced by psychosocial support. Only tests and procedures shown to be useful should be performed. Patient education includes promotion of healthy behaviors, nutritional advice, and preparation for childbirth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7595, USA.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Helton
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D000078329:Workforce