A Systematic Review Comparing Group Prenatal Care to Traditional Prenatal Care

Abstract

This systematic review compares pregnancy outcomes and maternal satisfaction for women in group prenatal care versus those in traditional prenatal care. Keyword searches in multiple databases identified 12 studies that compared pregnancy outcomes and/or maternal satisfaction between prenatal group care and traditional care. In 11 of the 12 studies reviewed, women receiving group care had equivalent or improved pregnancy outcomes compared with traditional care, including decreased incidence of preterm birth, increased birth weight, improved weight gain during pregnancy, increased adequacy of prenatal care and greater prenatal knowledge. Maternal satisfaction with group prenatal care was high in all but one study.