Prenatal care

Abstract

Through rational antenatal care, it is possible to identify maternal and fetal risks at an early stage of pregnancy. These risks, which are detected by medical history and examinations, serve as the basis for further medical care and interventions in pregnancy and during birth. Studies show that maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity can be reduced by applying structured and comprehensive national prenatal care concepts. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least eight antenatal controls. According to WHO guidelines, clinical documentation in the form of women-held case notes should be used to ensure good traceability of the medical examinations and findings in the individual pregnancy. For more than 50 years, antenatal care in Germany has been provided in a standardized and clearly structured manner and implemented nationwide. The established maternity document (“Mutterpass”) and regular adaptations to the maternity guidelines form the foundation for this. This CME article presents international recommendations and publications focusing on the prenatal care, current developments in Germany, and controversies regarding antenatal care.