Peer-reviewed article
Innovation in prenatal care: a global review of implementing group prenatal care and impacts on women, children, and health care providers.
Megan E Austin-Cherry, Deborah L Billings ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
Limitations
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Over the past 15 years, group-based prenatal care - bringing together 8 to 12 pregnant individuals for shared health assessment, interactive learning, and community building - has gained global interest as an alternative to traditional individual prenatal appointments. OBJECTIVE: This mini-review synthesizes global research on the impact of group prenatal care on women, infants, and health care providers. METHODS: A narrative approach was used to synthesize peer-reviewed literature of international group prenatal care models and their multiple impacts on women, children, and providers using predefined eligibility criteria and thematic synthesis. RESULTS: Group prenatal care consistently improved women's empowerment, social support, mental health, health literacy, and care adherence. Women showed lower rates of gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Infants benefited through improved maternal behaviors, including breastfeeding initiation and immunization. Providers reported stronger patient relationships, though challenges in facilitation, time management, and workload were noted. CONCLUSION: Group prenatal care offers clear benefits across diverse global settings. Successful implementation requires adequate resources, facilitation training, and stakeholder buy-in. Longitudinal research on long-term child health outcomes is needed.