What is adequate prenatal care?

In this article, the role of the family physician in providing a high level of antenatal care is examined. Emphasis is placed on the early identification of the high risk pregnancy, either at the first visit or at subsequent visits so that this small but important group of patients, who account for most of our current perinatal mortality and morbidity, can receive the benefits which modern perinatology has to offer. Included in this paper is a survey of the various elements of antenatal care which are now considered of fundamental importance, and a practical outline of how they may be provided.