-
Journal of Healthcare Engineering 2021Scientific and technological advancement has increased the requirement for modern medical systems, leading to smartphone-based intelligent prenatal care and postpartum... (Review)
Review
Scientific and technological advancement has increased the requirement for modern medical systems, leading to smartphone-based intelligent prenatal care and postpartum recovery. This kind of prenatal care and postpartum recovery including a remote monitoring system for fetal heart monitoring, blood glucose, and weight overcomes the restrictions of time and space and provides all-round, convenient, rapid, and accurate services to the medical systems, doctors, and pregnant women. This paper reviews the current research on intelligent medical services for pregnant women, particularly for prenatal care and postpartum recovery.
Topics: Female; Humans; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prenatal Care; Smartphone
PubMed: 34659684
DOI: 10.1155/2021/3279714 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024An increasing body of evidence suggests equivalent if not improved postpartum outcomes of in-person group prenatal care compared with individual prenatal care. However,...
IMPORTANCE
An increasing body of evidence suggests equivalent if not improved postpartum outcomes of in-person group prenatal care compared with individual prenatal care. However, research is needed to evaluate outcomes of group multimodal prenatal care (GMPC), with groups delivered virtually in combination with individual in-person office appointments to collect vital signs and conduct other tests compared with individual multimodal prenatal care (IMPC) delivered through a combination of remotely delivered and in-person visits.
OBJECTIVE
To compare postpartum outcomes between GMPC and IMPC.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
A frequency-matched longitudinal cohort study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, an integrated health care delivery system. Participants included 424 individuals who were pregnant (212 GMPC and 212 frequency-matched IMPC controls (matched on gestational age, race and ethnicity, insurance status, and maternal age) receiving prenatal care between August 17, 2020, and April 1, 2021. Participants completed a baseline survey before 14 weeks' gestation and a follow-up survey between 4 and 8 weeks post partum. Data analysis was performed from January 3, 2022, to March 4, 2024.
EXPOSURE
GMPC vs IMPC.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Validated instruments were used to ascertain postpartum psychosocial outcomes (stress, depression, anxiety) and perceived quality of prenatal care. Self-reported outcomes included behavioral outcomes (breastfeeding initiation, use of long-acting reversible contraception), satisfaction with prenatal care, and preparation for self and baby care after delivery. Primary analyses included all study participants in the final cohort. Three secondary dose-stratified analyses included individuals who attended at least 1 visit, 5 visits, and 70% of visits. Log-binomial regression and linear regression analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
The final analytic cohort of 390 participants (95.6% follow-up rate of 408 singleton live births) was racially and ethnically diverse: 98 (25.1%) Asian/Pacific Islander, 88 (22.6%) Hispanic, 17 (4.4%) non-Hispanic Black, 161 (41.3%) non-Hispanic White, and 26 (6.7%) multiracial participants; median age was 32 (IQR, 30-35) years. In the primary analysis, after adjustment, GMPC was associated with a 21% decreased risk of perceived stress (adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.94) compared with IMPC. Findings were consistent in the dose-stratified analyses. There were no significant differences between GMPC and IMPC for other psychosocial outcomes. While in the primary analyses there was no significant group differences in perceived quality of prenatal care (mean difference [MD], 0.01; 95% CI, -0.12 to 0.15) and feeling prepared to take care of baby at home (ARR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.96-1.23), the dose-stratified analyses documented higher perceived quality of prenatal care (MD, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.01-0.31) and preparation for taking care of baby at home (ARR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.13-1.43) for GMPC among those attending 70% of visits. No significant differences were noted in patient overall satisfaction with prenatal care and feeling prepared for taking care of themselves after delivery.
CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort study, equivalent and, in some cases, better outcomes were observed for GMPC compared with IMPC. Health care systems implementing multimodal models of care may consider incorporating virtual group prenatal care as a prenatal care option for patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Adult; Prenatal Care; Longitudinal Studies; California; Postpartum Period; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 38771574
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12280 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2020Stillbirth is generally defined as a death prior to birth at or after 22 weeks' gestation. It remains a major public health concern globally. Antenatal interventions may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Stillbirth is generally defined as a death prior to birth at or after 22 weeks' gestation. It remains a major public health concern globally. Antenatal interventions may reduce stillbirths and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in settings with high rates of stillbirth. There are several key antenatal strategies that aim to prevent stillbirth including nutrition, and prevention and management of infections.
OBJECTIVES
To summarise the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews on the effects of antenatal interventions for preventing stillbirth for low risk or unselected populations of women.
METHODS
We collaborated with Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Information Specialist to identify all their published reviews that specified or reported stillbirth; and we searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (search date: 29 Feburary 2020) to identify reviews published within other Cochrane groups. The primary outcome measure was stillbirth but in the absence of stillbirth data, we used perinatal mortality (both stillbirth and death in the first week of life), fetal loss or fetal death as outcomes. Two review authors independently evaluated reviews for inclusion, extracted data and assessed quality of evidence using AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Reviews) and GRADE tools. We assigned interventions to categories with graphic icons to classify the effectiveness of interventions as: clear evidence of benefit or harm; clear evidence of no effect or equivalence; possible benefit or harm; or unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 43 Cochrane Reviews that included interventions in pregnant women with the potential for preventing stillbirth; all of the included reviews reported our primary outcome 'stillbirth' or in the absence of stillbirth, 'perinatal death' or 'fetal loss/fetal death'. AMSTAR quality was high in 40 reviews with scores ranging from 8 to 11 and moderate in three reviews with a score of 7. Nutrition interventions Clear evidence of benefit: balanced energy/protein supplementation versus no supplementation suggests a probable reduction in stillbirth (risk ratio (RR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 0.94, 5 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 3408 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Clear evidence of no effect or equivalence for stillbirth or perinatal death: vitamin A alone versus placebo or no treatment; and multiple micronutrients with iron and folic acid versus iron with or without folic acid. Unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence: for all other nutrition interventions examined the effects were uncertain. Prevention and management of infections Possible benefit for fetal loss or death: insecticide-treated anti-malarial nets versus no nets (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.97, 4 RCTs; low-certainty). Unknown evidence of no effect or equivalence: drugs for preventing malaria (stillbirth RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.36, 5 RCTs, 7130 women, moderate certainty in women of all parity; perinatal death RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.63, 4 RCTs, 5216 women, moderate-certainty in women of all parity). Prevention, detection and management of other morbidities Clear evidence of benefit: the following interventions suggest a reduction: midwife-led models of care in settings where the midwife is the primary healthcare provider particularly for low-risk pregnant women (overall fetal loss/neonatal death reduction RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.99, 13 RCTs, 17,561 women; high-certainty), training versus not training traditional birth attendants in rural populations of low- and middle-income countries (stillbirth reduction odds ratio (OR) 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.83, 1 RCT, 18,699 women, moderate-certainty; perinatal death reduction OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.83, 1 RCT, 18,699 women, moderate-certainty). Clear evidence of harm: a reduced number of antenatal care visits probably results in an increase in perinatal death (RR 1.14 95% CI 1.00 to 1.31, 5 RCTs, 56,431 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Clear evidence of no effect or equivalence: there was evidence of no effect in the risk of stillbirth/fetal loss or perinatal death for the following interventions and comparisons: psychosocial interventions; and providing case notes to women. Possible benefit: community-based intervention packages (including community support groups/women's groups, community mobilisation and home visitation, or training traditional birth attendants who made home visits) may result in a reduction of stillbirth (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.91, 15 RCTs, 201,181 women; low-certainty) and perinatal death (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.86, 17 RCTs, 282,327 women; low-certainty). Unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence: the effects were uncertain for other interventions examined. Screening and management of fetal growth and well-being Clear evidence of benefit: computerised antenatal cardiotocography for assessing infant's well-being in utero compared with traditional antenatal cardiotocography (perinatal mortality reduction RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.88, 2 RCTs, 469 women; moderate-certainty). Unknown benefit or harm or no effect or equivalence: the effects were uncertain for other interventions examined.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
While most interventions were unable to demonstrate a clear effect in reducing stillbirth or perinatal death, several interventions suggested a clear benefit, such as balanced energy/protein supplements, midwife-led models of care, training versus not training traditional birth attendants, and antenatal cardiotocography. Possible benefits were also observed for insecticide-treated anti-malarial nets and community-based intervention packages, whereas a reduced number of antenatal care visits were shown to be harmful. However, there was variation in the effectiveness of interventions across different settings, indicating the need to carefully understand the context in which these interventions were tested. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to evaluate the effects of antenatal preventive interventions and which approaches are most effective to reduce the risk of stillbirth. Stillbirth (or fetal death), perinatal and neonatal death need to be reported separately in future RCTs of antenatal interventions to allow assessment of different interventions on these rare but important outcomes and they need to clearly define the target populations of women where the intervention is most likely to be of benefit. As the high burden of stillbirths occurs in low- and middle-income countries, further high-quality trials need to be conducted in these settings as a priority.
Topics: Cardiotocography; Female; Fetal Death; Fetal Development; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Midwifery; Nutrition Assessment; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stillbirth; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 33336827
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009599.pub2 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Jun 2023Adverse childhood and adult experiences can affect health outcomes throughout life and across generations. The perinatal period offers a critical opportunity for...
Adverse childhood and adult experiences can affect health outcomes throughout life and across generations. The perinatal period offers a critical opportunity for obstetric clinicians to partner with patients to provide support and improve outcomes. This article draws on stakeholder input, expert opinion, and available evidence to provide recommendations for obstetric clinicians' inquiry about and response to pregnant patients' past and present adversity and trauma during prenatal care encounters. Trauma-informed care is a universal intervention that can proactively address adversity and trauma and support healing, even if a patient does not explicitly disclose past or present adversity. Inquiry about past and present adversity and trauma provides an avenue to offer support and to create individualized care plans. Preparatory steps to adopting a trauma-informed approach to prenatal care include initiating education and training for practice staff, prioritizing addressing racism and health disparities, and establishing patient safety and trust. Inquiry about adversity and trauma, as well as resilience factors, can be implemented gradually over time through open-ended questions, structured survey measures, or a combination of both techniques. A range of evidence-based educational resources, prevention and intervention programs, and community-based initiatives can be included within individualized care plans to improve perinatal health outcomes. These practices will be further developed and improved by increased clinical training and research, as well as through broad adoption of a trauma-informed approach and collaboration across specialty areas.
Topics: Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Psychological Trauma
PubMed: 37141600
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005199 -
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva Apr 2023This study aims to describe and analyze an interprofessional educational intervention for the qualification of prenatal care in the context of primary health care.
UNLABELLED
This study aims to describe and analyze an interprofessional educational intervention for the qualification of prenatal care in the context of primary health care.
METHOD
action-research comprising a prenatal care qualification course with 65 primary health care professionals. Collaborative learning activities were conducted in synchronous and asynchronous meetings.
RESULTS
the reflexive thematic analysis of participants' experiences, views and perceptions on the meanings of the intervention revealed three categories: quality of prenatal care: conceptions and meanings; collaborative learning: strategy to overcome linear and isolated care; the need to evolve from acting locally to thinking globally.
CONCLUSION
the analysis of the interprofessional educational intervention for the qualification of prenatal care in the context of primary health care showed that constructivist, participatory and interprofessional approaches are relevant and pertinent to broaden theoretical perceptions and give new meanings to the work process at different settings of the health network.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Prenatal Care; Interprofessional Relations; Cooperative Behavior; Health Personnel; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 37042908
DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023284.14402022 -
Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation... 2020As the diagnosis of Spina Bifida (SB) is often made prenatally, SB-specific prenatal counseling is needed. It is essential to provide information about medical care and... (Review)
Review
As the diagnosis of Spina Bifida (SB) is often made prenatally, SB-specific prenatal counseling is needed. It is essential to provide information about medical care and lifelong impact of this diagnosis, treatment options available to women carrying fetuses affected, and resources that will assist in the care of individuals with SB. This article outlines the SB Prenatal Counseling Guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association's Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida and acknowledges that further research in SB prenatal counseling is warranted.
Topics: Counseling; Female; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Spinal Dysraphism
PubMed: 33285644
DOI: 10.3233/PRM-200735 -
American Family Physician Jun 2021
Topics: Birth Setting; Empowerment; Family Practice; Female; Health Promotion; Health Services Accessibility; Home Childbirth; Humans; Midwifery; Patient Participation; Patient Safety; Physician's Role; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Risk Assessment; Rural Health Services; United States
PubMed: 34060780
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Perinatal Medicine Jun 2021Asylum seekers have been highlighted as a particularly vulnerable group of expectant mothers due to complex medical and psychosocial needs, as well as the difficulties...
OBJECTIVES
Asylum seekers have been highlighted as a particularly vulnerable group of expectant mothers due to complex medical and psychosocial needs, as well as the difficulties they may face in accessing care. Our aim was to examine if there were differences in the antenatal care and perinatal outcomes for asylum seeking women when compared to age- and ethnicity-matched controls delivering at the same hospital.
METHODS
Two age- and ethnicity-matched non-asylum seeking controls were identified for each asylum-seeking woman. Electronic patient records were analysed to determine the amount of antenatal care received and neonatal outcomes.
RESULTS
Thirty-four asylum-seeking women were identified who had term born infants. The median number of antenatal care episodes at the delivering hospital was significantly fewer amongst asylum-seeking women compared to controls (three vs. nine, p<0.0001). The median number of antenatal ultrasound examinations at the delivering hospital amongst asylum-seeking women was one (IQR 1-2), compared to three (IQR 3-4) in the controls (p<0.0001). The postnatal length of stay was significantly longer for infants of asylum-seeking women (median three vs. two days, p=0.002). Thirty-seven percent of asylum seeking women but none of the controls required assistance from social services. There was a significant correlation between antenatal and postnatal costs for asylum seeking women (r=0.373, p=0.042), but not for controls (r=0.171, p=0.181).
CONCLUSIONS
The increased postnatal length of stay in the infants of asylum seeking mothers may reflect their mother's reduced antenatal care and hence insufficient discharge planning for mothers and infants with increased social needs.
Topics: Adult; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Patient Discharge; Perinatal Care; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnant Women; Prenatal Care; Refugees; United Kingdom; Vulnerable Populations
PubMed: 33607706
DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0572 -
Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da U S P 2022To assess the relationship between prenatal care adequacy and the demand for hospital obstetric care.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between prenatal care adequacy and the demand for hospital obstetric care.
METHOD
A cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted in a Brazilian capital, at six basic units and a hospital unit, from 2017 to 2020. Pregnant women who met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria participated in the study. Data were collected by structured questionnaire, and follow-up of participants was in person, by phone and by application. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using a statistical program.
RESULTS
A total of 224 women were investigated. Prenatal care was adequate in 42.4% of cases, and the mean percentage of adequacy was 76.7% of assessed indicators. Of the 1,067 hospital visits, 63.1% were inopportune. The regression model showed that the variable "prenatal care adequacy" was statistically relevant (0.043), with a 2.2 times higher Odds Ratio (OR) of women who had inadequate prenatal follow-up seeking the hospital inanely.
CONCLUSION
Prenatal care inadequacy was related to the inopportune search for emergency room care, with care overload for this point in the care network.
Topics: Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hospitals; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prenatal Care
PubMed: 35802658
DOI: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2022-0011en -
BMC Public Health May 2022High rates of imprisonment in the U.S. have significant health, social, and economic consequences, particularly for marginalized communities. This study examines...
BACKGROUND
High rates of imprisonment in the U.S. have significant health, social, and economic consequences, particularly for marginalized communities. This study examines imprisonment as a contextual driver of receiving prenatal care by evaluating whether early and adequate prenatal care improved after Pennsylvania's criminal sentencing reform reduced prison admissions.
METHODS
We linked individual-level birth certificate microdata on births (n = 999,503) in Pennsylvania (2009-2015), to monthly county-level rates of prison admissions. We apply an interrupted time series approach that contrasts post-policy changes in early and adequate prenatal care across counties where prison admissions were effectively reduced or continued to rise. We then tested whether prenatal care improvements were stronger among Black birthing people and those with lower levels of educational attainment.
RESULTS
In counties where prison admissions declined the most after the policy, early prenatal care increased from 69.0% to 73.2%, and inadequate prenatal care decreased from 18.1% to 15.9%. By comparison, improvements in early prenatal care were smaller in counties where prison admissions increased the most post-policy (73.5 to 76.4%) and there was no change to prenatal care inadequacy (14.4% pre and post). We find this pattern of improvements to be particularly strong among Black birthing people and those with lower levels of educational attainment.
CONCLUSIONS
Pennsylvania's sentencing reforms were associated with small advancements in racial and socioeconomic equity in prenatal care.
Topics: Criminals; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Law Enforcement; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Prisons
PubMed: 35549928
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13359-7