Looking back at pediatrics to move forward in obstetrics

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health
• Systems Science

Background:

• Current obstetrical care systems require reevaluation.
• The Life Course Health Development (LCHD) model provides a framework for understanding lifelong health.
• Integrating LCHD principles can improve care for women of childbearing age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current state of obstetrical care.
• To discuss the implications of the LCHD model for women's healthcare systems.
• To identify strategies from child health systems for adaptation to women's health.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of evidence on the LCHD model.
• Analysis of existing child health programs for transferable strategies.
• Conceptualization of a reengineered obstetrics and women's healthcare system.

Main Results:

• The LCHD model integrates developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) evidence.
• Knowledge of early life influences can inform redesign of healthcare delivery.
• The child health system demonstrates successful implementation of evidence-based programs to promote health and prevent risk.

Conclusions:

• Obstetricians and public health researchers are adopting the LCHD model.
• The LCHD model can reconceptualize health trajectories and improve reproductive outcomes.
• Recommendations are provided for reengineering obstetrics and women's healthcare using the LCHD model to optimize reproductive readiness.