Group Prenatal Visits: Maternal and Neonatal Health Outcomes

Pre-pregnancy Diabetes, Pre-pregnancy Hypertension and Prenatal Care Timing among Women in the United States, 2018

INTRODUCTION

Women with pre-pregnancy diabetes or pre-pregnancy hypertension have increased risks of complications during pregnancy. Women who obtain prenatal care in the first trimester receive necessary routine testing and disease management tools that aid in controlling such conditions. However, research on the association between pre-pregnancy hypertension and pre-pregnancy diabetes and prenatal care timing among US women is limited.

METHODS

This study used data from the 2018 National Vital Statistic System (n = 3,618,853). Trained personnel collected information on prenatal care timing, maternal conditions, and demographics. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the association between pre-pregnancy hypertension, pre-pregnancy diabetes and prenatal care timing. A stratified analysis was conducted to determine if race/ethnicity modified the associations.

RESULTS

After adjustment, women with pre-pregnancy hypertension or pre-pregnancy diabetes had statistically significant increased odds of receiving early prenatal care compared to women without these conditions (OR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.21-1.26 and OR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.24-1.31, respectively). Among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic women, those with pre-pregnancy hypertension or pre-pregnancy diabetes had statistically significantly increased odds of receiving early prenatal care compared to women without those pre-existing conditions (P < .001).

DISCUSSION

Further research is needed on the transition from preconception care to obstetric care for women with pre-existing diabetes or hypertension. However, these findings suggest that women who have conditions that could cause pregnancy complications are pursuing early prenatal care services to mitigate the development of adverse maternal and infant health conditions.

Emotional and Birth Outcomes Associated With Different Types of Prenatal Care for Women With Low Income

This article summarizes findings from the literature on the emotional and birth outcomes of women with low income receiving different types of prenatal care. This literature review included studies published between 2015 and 2020. The results indicated that women with low income have challenging experiences in traditional models of prenatal care. Evidence of improved birth outcomes with nontraditional prenatal care is mixed, but qualitative findings indicate that it is associated with better emotional outcomes for women with low income when compared to traditional prenatal care. Future research should investigate ways to improve the negative interpersonal and structural dimensions that can characterize prenatal care for women with low income.