Prenatal care: touching the future.
The provision of preconception and prenatal care is a critical and time-honored role for family physicians. It could even be termed the first preventive care a human being receives. It has been suggested by some studies that, because of the continuity of care that is considered a cornerstone of family practice, family physicians provide prenatal care that may improve birth outcome. Although prenatal care is acknowledged as important for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, there is debate regarding the true efficacy of prenatal care.
Médicos Para La Familia, Department of Surgical Family Medicine, 3030 Covington Pike, Memphis, TN 38128, USA. erinkatedooley@gmail.com
Erin Kate
EK
Dooley
Robert L
RL
Ringler
D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008429:Maternal Welfare; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D016742:Preconception Care / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal