ANTENATAL SUPERVISION. A REVIEW OF OBSTETRICAL CARE WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR REEVALUATION.

Studies by California Maternal Mortality Study Committees over a period of six years have revealed many avoidable inadequacies in the care of pregnant patients. Other reviews have shown a high incidence of non-fatal complications arising early in pregnancy when care is often inadequate. Since antenatal care is justly credited with the vast improvement of the incidence of maternal mortality, maternal morbidity and perinatal salvage, it is time for a reevaluation and upgrading of present-day practices. Responsibility is shared by the medical and auxiliary professions and the community. The public as well as those who care for the expectant mother must have improved educational exposure to achieve better results.