Characteristics of prenatal interviews provided by pediatricians

A questionnaire regarding use of pediatric prenatal interviews was mailed to 235 pediatricians. From 197 responses, we identified 118 practicing pediatricians who see a minimum of 25 newborns per year. Eighty-six (73%) of this group of 118 physicians conduct prenatal visits. In the practices of these physicians, an average of 22% of mothers (or couples) have a prenatal visit. Physicians unanimously favored father's presence at the visit. Prenatal visits were more frequently done by urban than by nonurban physicians. Only 15% charge for a prenatal visit, despite spending an average of 20 office minutes as compared to 16 office minutes for a well-baby visit. Pediatricians have positive attitudes about the use of prenatal interviews, regardless of whether or not they conduct them. High consensus regarding the importance of these visits combined with the low prevalence of their actual use suggest the need for more parent and physician education of this aspect of pediatric care.