Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2023

13-09-2023 | Care | Review Article

Pre-Conceptional and Antenatal Care for Improved Newborn and Child Survival in India: A Review

Authors: Hrishikesh Pai, Surekha Tayade, Sakshi Sharma, Arnav Pai, Rodney P. Vaz, Chandrakant Lahariya

Published in: Indian Journal of Pediatrics | Special Issue 1/2023

Login to get access

Abstract

There is sufficient scientific evidence that quality pre-conceptional care and antenatal care can improve newborn survival. This review was conducted to understand the concept of pre-conceptional care and its implementation status in India. The review documents the specific interventions that have been proven to effectively improve pregnancy outcome when provided as pre-conception care. Healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians/gynecologists and general physicians, should prioritize pre-conception care as an essential component of healthcare for women. However, the lack of continuum of care and program linkages are some of the key barriers in ensuring pre-conceptional and ante-natal care in India. Culturally and linguistically appropriate care should be provided to ensure that all women can access and understand the information and services needed to optimize their reproductive health and improve pregnancy outcomes. Prioritizing pre-conception and prenatal care, healthcare providers can improve maternal and fetal outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and promote lifelong health for women and their families. The primary healthcare reforms being done in India can be and should be used to strengthen pre-conceptional and ante-natal care services and quality.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Hall J, Chawla M, Watson D, et al. Addressing reproductive health needs across the life course: an integrated, community-based model combining contraception and preconception care. Lancet Public Health. 2023;8:e76-84.CrossRefPubMed Hall J, Chawla M, Watson D, et al. Addressing reproductive health needs across the life course: an integrated, community-based model combining contraception and preconception care. Lancet Public Health. 2023;8:e76-84.CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Stephenson J, Heslehurst N, Hall J, et al. Before the beginning: nutrition and lifestyle in the preconception period and its importance for future health. Lancet. 2018;391:1830–41.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Stephenson J, Heslehurst N, Hall J, et al. Before the beginning: nutrition and lifestyle in the preconception period and its importance for future health. Lancet. 2018;391:1830–41.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
4.
go back to reference Countdown to 2030 Collaboration. Countdown to 2030: tracking progress towards universal coverage for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. Lancet. 2018;391:1538–48.CrossRef Countdown to 2030 Collaboration. Countdown to 2030: tracking progress towards universal coverage for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. Lancet. 2018;391:1538–48.CrossRef
5.
go back to reference Bhutta ZA, Das JK, Bahl R, et al. Lancet Newborn Interventions Review Group; Lancet Every Newborn Study Group. Can available interventions end preventable deaths in mothers, newborn babies, and stillbirths, and at what cost? Lancet. 2014;384:347–70.CrossRefPubMed Bhutta ZA, Das JK, Bahl R, et al. Lancet Newborn Interventions Review Group; Lancet Every Newborn Study Group. Can available interventions end preventable deaths in mothers, newborn babies, and stillbirths, and at what cost? Lancet. 2014;384:347–70.CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Hemsing N, Greaves L, Poole N. Preconception health care interventions: a scoping review. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2017;14:24–32.CrossRefPubMed Hemsing N, Greaves L, Poole N. Preconception health care interventions: a scoping review. Sex Reprod Healthc. 2017;14:24–32.CrossRefPubMed
9.
10.
go back to reference Mason E, Chandra-Mouli V, Baltag V, Christiansen C, Lassi ZS, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: advancing from ‘important to do and can be done’ to ‘is being done and is making a difference.’ Reprod Health. 2014;11:S8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Mason E, Chandra-Mouli V, Baltag V, Christiansen C, Lassi ZS, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: advancing from ‘important to do and can be done’ to ‘is being done and is making a difference.’ Reprod Health. 2014;11:S8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
12.
go back to reference Johnson K, Posner SF, Biermann J, et al; CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group; Select Panel on Preconception Care. Recommendations to improve preconception health and health care--United States. A report of the CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group and the Select Panel on Preconception Care. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2006;55:1–23. Johnson K, Posner SF, Biermann J, et al; CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group; Select Panel on Preconception Care. Recommendations to improve preconception health and health care--United States. A report of the CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group and the Select Panel on Preconception Care. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2006;55:1–23.
15.
go back to reference Wilson RD, Genetics Committee, Wilson RD, et al. Pre-conception folic acid and multivitamin supplementation for the primary and secondary prevention of neural tube defects and other folic acid-sensitive congenital anomalies. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015;37:534–52. Wilson RD, Genetics Committee, Wilson RD, et al. Pre-conception folic acid and multivitamin supplementation for the primary and secondary prevention of neural tube defects and other folic acid-sensitive congenital anomalies. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015;37:534–52.
18.
go back to reference Gurmu L, Wakgari N, Kolola T, Danusa KT. Effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on perinatal outcomes among pregnant women in North-west Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study. Front Public Health. 2022;10:953481.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Gurmu L, Wakgari N, Kolola T, Danusa KT. Effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on perinatal outcomes among pregnant women in North-west Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study. Front Public Health. 2022;10:953481.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
20.
go back to reference Lewandowski RA, Lewandowski JB, Ekman I, Swedberg K, Törnell J, Rogers HL. Implementation of person-centered care: a feasibility study using the WE-CARE roadmap. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18:2205.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Lewandowski RA, Lewandowski JB, Ekman I, Swedberg K, Törnell J, Rogers HL. Implementation of person-centered care: a feasibility study using the WE-CARE roadmap. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18:2205.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
21.
go back to reference Leung H, Shek DTL, Leung E, Shek EYW. Development of contextually-relevant sexuality education: lessons from a comprehensive review of adolescent sexuality education across cultures. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16:621.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Leung H, Shek DTL, Leung E, Shek EYW. Development of contextually-relevant sexuality education: lessons from a comprehensive review of adolescent sexuality education across cultures. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16:621.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
23.
go back to reference Tuomainen H, Cross-Bardell L, Bhoday M, et al. Opportunities and challenges for enhancing preconception health in primary care: qualitative study with women from ethnically diverse communities BMJ Open. 2013;3:e002977. Tuomainen H, Cross-Bardell L, Bhoday M, et al. Opportunities and challenges for enhancing preconception health in primary care: qualitative study with women from ethnically diverse communities BMJ Open. 2013;3:e002977.
24.
go back to reference Pazol K, Zapata LB, Tregear SJ, Mautone-Smith N, Gavin LE. Impact of contraceptive education on contraceptive knowledge and decision making. Am J Prev Med. 2015;49:S46-56.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Pazol K, Zapata LB, Tregear SJ, Mautone-Smith N, Gavin LE. Impact of contraceptive education on contraceptive knowledge and decision making. Am J Prev Med. 2015;49:S46-56.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
25.
go back to reference Harelick L, Viola D, Tahara D. Preconception health of low socioeconomic status women: assessing knowledge and behaviors. Womens Health Issues. 2011;21:272–6.CrossRefPubMed Harelick L, Viola D, Tahara D. Preconception health of low socioeconomic status women: assessing knowledge and behaviors. Womens Health Issues. 2011;21:272–6.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Al-Nuaim AR. Prevalence of glucose intolerance in urban and rural communities in Saudi Arabia. Diabet Med. 1997;14:595–602.CrossRefPubMed Al-Nuaim AR. Prevalence of glucose intolerance in urban and rural communities in Saudi Arabia. Diabet Med. 1997;14:595–602.CrossRefPubMed
27.
31.
go back to reference Lassi ZA, Imam AM, Dean SV, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: screening and management of chronic disease and promoting psychological health. Reprod Health. 2014;11:S5.PubMedPubMedCentral Lassi ZA, Imam AM, Dean SV, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: screening and management of chronic disease and promoting psychological health. Reprod Health. 2014;11:S5.PubMedPubMedCentral
32.
go back to reference García-Patterson A, Corcoy R, Rigla M, et al. Does preconceptional counselling in diabetic women influence perinatal outcome? Ann Ist Super Sanita. 1997;33:333–6.PubMed García-Patterson A, Corcoy R, Rigla M, et al. Does preconceptional counselling in diabetic women influence perinatal outcome? Ann Ist Super Sanita. 1997;33:333–6.PubMed
33.
go back to reference Murphy LE, Gollenberg AL, Buck Louis GM, Kostyniak PJ, Sundaram R. Maternal serum preconception polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and infant birth weight. Environ Health Perspect. 2010;118:297–302.CrossRefPubMed Murphy LE, Gollenberg AL, Buck Louis GM, Kostyniak PJ, Sundaram R. Maternal serum preconception polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and infant birth weight. Environ Health Perspect. 2010;118:297–302.CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Temple RC, Aldridge VJ, Murphy HR. Prepregnancy care and pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2006;29:1744–9.CrossRefPubMed Temple RC, Aldridge VJ, Murphy HR. Prepregnancy care and pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2006;29:1744–9.CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Haddow JE, Palomaki GE, Allan WC, et al. Maternal thyroid deficiency during pregnancy and subsequent neuropsychological development of the child. N Engl J Med. 1999;341:549–55.CrossRefPubMed Haddow JE, Palomaki GE, Allan WC, et al. Maternal thyroid deficiency during pregnancy and subsequent neuropsychological development of the child. N Engl J Med. 1999;341:549–55.CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Browne ML, Rasmussen SA, Hoyt AT, et al. Maternal thyroid disease, thyroid medication use, and selected birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2009;85:621–8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Browne ML, Rasmussen SA, Hoyt AT, et al. Maternal thyroid disease, thyroid medication use, and selected birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 2009;85:621–8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
37.
go back to reference Rotondi M, Mazziotti G, Sorvillo F, et al. Effects of increased thyroxine dosage pre-conception on thyroid function during early pregnancy. Eur J Endocrinol. 2004;151:695–700.CrossRefPubMed Rotondi M, Mazziotti G, Sorvillo F, et al. Effects of increased thyroxine dosage pre-conception on thyroid function during early pregnancy. Eur J Endocrinol. 2004;151:695–700.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Romundstad PR, Smith GD, Nilsen TI, Vatten LJ. Associations of prepregnancy cardiovascular risk factors with the offspring’s birth weight. Am J Epidemiol. 2007;166:1359–64.CrossRefPubMed Romundstad PR, Smith GD, Nilsen TI, Vatten LJ. Associations of prepregnancy cardiovascular risk factors with the offspring’s birth weight. Am J Epidemiol. 2007;166:1359–64.CrossRefPubMed
39.
go back to reference Hameed AB, Sklansky MS. Pregnancy: maternal and fetal heart disease. Curr Probl Cardiol. 2007;32:419–94.CrossRefPubMed Hameed AB, Sklansky MS. Pregnancy: maternal and fetal heart disease. Curr Probl Cardiol. 2007;32:419–94.CrossRefPubMed
40.
go back to reference Singh G, Sidhu K. Bad obstetric history: a prospective study. Med J Armed Forces India. 2010;66:117–20.CrossRefPubMed Singh G, Sidhu K. Bad obstetric history: a prospective study. Med J Armed Forces India. 2010;66:117–20.CrossRefPubMed
41.
go back to reference Dadi AF, Wolde HF, Baraki AG, Akalu TY. Epidemiology of antenatal depression in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2020;20:251.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Dadi AF, Wolde HF, Baraki AG, Akalu TY. Epidemiology of antenatal depression in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2020;20:251.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
42.
go back to reference Anand K, Garg BS. A study of factors affecting LBW. Indian J Community Med. 2000;25:57–61. Anand K, Garg BS. A study of factors affecting LBW. Indian J Community Med. 2000;25:57–61.
43.
go back to reference Tieu J, Bain E, Middleton P, Crowther CA. Interconception care for women with a history of gestational diabetes for improving maternal and infant outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;6:CD10211. Tieu J, Bain E, Middleton P, Crowther CA. Interconception care for women with a history of gestational diabetes for improving maternal and infant outcomes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;6:CD10211.
44.
go back to reference Wilson RD, Audibert F, Brock J, et al. Pre-conception folic acid and multivitamin supplementation for the primary and secondary prevention of neural tube defects and other folic acid-sensitive congenital anomalies. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015;37:534–52. Wilson RD, Audibert F, Brock J, et al. Pre-conception folic acid and multivitamin supplementation for the primary and secondary prevention of neural tube defects and other folic acid-sensitive congenital anomalies. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015;37:534–52.
45.
go back to reference Björkstedt S-M, Koponen H, Kautiainen H, et al. Preconception mental health, socioeconomic status, and pregnancy outcomes in primiparous women. Front Public Health. 2022;10:880339.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Björkstedt S-M, Koponen H, Kautiainen H, et al. Preconception mental health, socioeconomic status, and pregnancy outcomes in primiparous women. Front Public Health. 2022;10:880339.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
46.
go back to reference Doke PP, Gothankar JS, Pore PD, et al. Meager perception of preconception care among women desiring pregnancy in rural areas: a qualitative study using focus group discussions. Front Public Health. 2021;9:689820.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Doke PP, Gothankar JS, Pore PD, et al. Meager perception of preconception care among women desiring pregnancy in rural areas: a qualitative study using focus group discussions. Front Public Health. 2021;9:689820.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
48.
go back to reference Doke PP, Gothankar JS, Chutke AP, et al. Prevalence of preconception risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome among women from tribal and non-tribal blocks in Nashik district, India: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Health. 2022;19:166.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Doke PP, Gothankar JS, Chutke AP, et al. Prevalence of preconception risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome among women from tribal and non-tribal blocks in Nashik district, India: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Health. 2022;19:166.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
49.
go back to reference Chowdhury R, Taneja S, Dhabhai N, et al. Burden of preconception morbidity in women of reproductive age from an urban setting in North India. PLoS One. 2020;15:e0234768.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Chowdhury R, Taneja S, Dhabhai N, et al. Burden of preconception morbidity in women of reproductive age from an urban setting in North India. PLoS One. 2020;15:e0234768.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
51.
go back to reference Atrash HK, Johnson K, Adams M, Cordero JF, Howse J. Preconception care for improving perinatal outcomes: the time to act. Matern Child Health J. 2006;10:3–11.CrossRefPubMedCentral Atrash HK, Johnson K, Adams M, Cordero JF, Howse J. Preconception care for improving perinatal outcomes: the time to act. Matern Child Health J. 2006;10:3–11.CrossRefPubMedCentral
52.
go back to reference Wondemagegn AT, Alebel A, Tesema C, Abie W. The effect of antenatal care follow-up on neonatal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health Rev. 2018;39:33.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Wondemagegn AT, Alebel A, Tesema C, Abie W. The effect of antenatal care follow-up on neonatal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health Rev. 2018;39:33.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
56.
go back to reference Arunda M, Emmelin A, Asamoah BO. Effectiveness of antenatal care services in reducing neonatal mortality in Kenya: analysis of national survey data. Glob Health Action. 2017;10:1328796.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Arunda M, Emmelin A, Asamoah BO. Effectiveness of antenatal care services in reducing neonatal mortality in Kenya: analysis of national survey data. Glob Health Action. 2017;10:1328796.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
57.
go back to reference Lassi ZS, Imam AM, Dean SV, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: preventing and treating infections. Reprod Health. 2014;11:S4.PubMedPubMedCentral Lassi ZS, Imam AM, Dean SV, Bhutta ZA. Preconception care: preventing and treating infections. Reprod Health. 2014;11:S4.PubMedPubMedCentral
62.
go back to reference Lahariya C. “Ayushman Bharat” program and universal health coverage in India. Indian Pediatr. 2018;55:495–506.CrossRefPubMed Lahariya C. “Ayushman Bharat” program and universal health coverage in India. Indian Pediatr. 2018;55:495–506.CrossRefPubMed
63.
go back to reference Lahariya C. Health & wellness centers to strengthen primary health care in India: concept, progress and ways forward. Indian J Pediatr. 2020;87:916–29.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Lahariya C. Health & wellness centers to strengthen primary health care in India: concept, progress and ways forward. Indian J Pediatr. 2020;87:916–29.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
64.
go back to reference Lahariya C, Roy B, Shukla A, et al. Community action for health in India: evolution, lessons learnt and ways forward to achieve universal health coverage. WHO South East Asia J Public Health. 2020;9:82–91.CrossRefPubMed Lahariya C, Roy B, Shukla A, et al. Community action for health in India: evolution, lessons learnt and ways forward to achieve universal health coverage. WHO South East Asia J Public Health. 2020;9:82–91.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Pre-Conceptional and Antenatal Care for Improved Newborn and Child Survival in India: A Review
Authors
Hrishikesh Pai
Surekha Tayade
Sakshi Sharma
Arnav Pai
Rodney P. Vaz
Chandrakant Lahariya
Publication date
13-09-2023
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Indian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue Special Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0019-5456
Electronic ISSN: 0973-7693
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04841-0

Other articles of this Special Issue 1/2023

Indian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2023 Go to the issue