Seminars in perinatology
-
Seminars in perinatology · Aug 1995
Meta AnalysisHome visits during pregnancy: consequences on pregnancy outcome, use of health services, and women's situations.
This review of eight randomized controlled trials assessed two different types of home visits during pregnancy: (1) those offering social support to high-risk women; and (2) those providing medical care to women with complications. In both categories, pregnancy outcome was not improved when women received home visits. The summary odds ratio for preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) was 1.0 (95% CI: 0.8 to 1.1). ⋯ A better integration of hospital and home services might allow a more rational use of health services for women with complications. In addition, we need to define more precisely the content of home visits providing social support. For this, further research is required on how emotional support, health education, and advice influence the health of women and infants and mother-child interactions.
-
Seminars in perinatology · Aug 1995
ReviewCocaine using during pregnancy and low birth weight: the impact of prenatal care and drug treatment.
Cocaine use in pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight. Large population-based studies suggest that 5 to 7% of pregnant women have used cocaine, with much higher rates in low income inner-city women. ⋯ A review of the literature shows that comprehensive care, which includes both prenatal care and drug treatment, seems to be associated with better birth weight outcomes, particularly in women who stop their use in the first trimester. Prenatal care alone, however, is also associated with improved outcomes even if not specialized or linked to drug treatment.