The content of prenatal care.

Prenatal care consists of patient education, evaluation of the pregnant woman for physical or historic factors requiring special care, careful assessment of gestational age, and determination of the success with which the mother and fetus(es) are tolerating the pregnancy. These elements of care during pregnancy are reviewed in turn. Additional, less tangible components of care may help explain the salutary effects of prenatal care on pregnancy outcome. The obstetric health care provider's expression of caring for the woman and her pregnancy adds to her existing social support and is a vital aspect of prenatal care.