Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Pre-Conceptional and Antenatal Care for Improved Newborn and Child Survival in India: A Review
Hrishikesh Pai1,2, Surekha Tayade3, Sakshi Sharma4
1National President, Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), Mumbai, India.
Insights
Quality pre-conception and antenatal care significantly improve newborn survival. Implementing these services in India faces barriers like lack of care continuum, but reforms can strengthen services for better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Quality pre-conceptional and antenatal care are scientifically proven to enhance newborn survival rates.
- This review examines the concept and implementation of pre-conception care within India's healthcare system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the concept of pre-conception care.
- To assess the implementation status of pre-conception care in India.
- To identify interventions that improve pregnancy outcomes when provided as pre-conception care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to document effective pre-conception care interventions.
- Analysis of implementation status and barriers in India.
- Examination of culturally and linguistically appropriate care delivery.
Main Results:
- Specific interventions effectively improve pregnancy outcomes when delivered as pre-conception care.
- Key barriers to pre-conceptional and antenatal care in India include a lack of continuum of care and program linkages.
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate care is crucial for accessibility and understanding.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers should prioritize pre-conception care for women's health.
- Strengthening pre-conceptional and antenatal care services is vital for improving maternal and fetal outcomes in India.
- Leveraging primary healthcare reforms can enhance the quality and delivery of these essential services.
Abstract:
There is sufficient scientific evidence that quality pre-conceptional care and antenatal care can improve newborn survival. This review was conducted to understand the concept of pre-conceptional care and its implementation status in India. The review documents the specific interventions that have been proven to effectively improve pregnancy outcome when provided as pre-conception care. Healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians/gynecologists and general physicians, should prioritize pre-conception care as an essential component of healthcare for women. However, the lack of continuum of care and program linkages are some of the key barriers in ensuring pre-conceptional and ante-natal care in India. Culturally and linguistically appropriate care should be provided to ensure that all women can access and understand the information and services needed to optimize their reproductive health and improve pregnancy outcomes. Prioritizing pre-conception and prenatal care, healthcare providers can improve maternal and fetal outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and promote lifelong health for women and their families. The primary healthcare reforms being done in India can be and should be used to strengthen pre-conceptional and ante-natal care services and quality.
More Related Videos
05:35Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
05:04A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Preventive Healthcare Services
Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Parental Care
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...