Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Group vs. Traditional Prenatal Care for Improving Equity in Birth Outcomes

Abstract

The traditional model of individual prenatal care (IPNC) has not appreciably changed in more than a century and is associated with high rates of preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW), the burden of which disproportionately affects Black women and infants. Innovative group prenatal care (GPNC) models may reduce the risk of PTB, especially for Black women. We sought to test whether GPNC compared to IPNC reduced rates of PTB and LBW, and if GPNC reduced the racial disparity among Black, White and Hispanic women.