Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Group Versus Individual Prenatal Care: A New Experience in Iran

Abstract

The majority of perinatal deaths occur in developing countries. Pragmatic reality in developing countries dictates the need for implementation of evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to improve child health outcomes. In this article we describe the implementation and evaluation of group prenatal care in Iran. Group prenatal care ideally may be suited for mothers in developing countries where lack of support, cultural and traditional practices, and low-quality health services interfere with satisfactory implementation of prenatal care. We believe that provision of prenatal care by group model improves perinatal outcomes. In developing countries such an approach is feasible and practical.