The need for prenatal health education

Abstract

THE maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are described as appalling in terms of the technological development of that country. Studies related to factois correlated to maternal and infant mortality and morbidi ty are reviewed. Such con cerns as early prenatal con tact with a physician, nutri tion, age of first parity, drug usage, cigarette smoking, al cohol ingestion, venereal dis ease, and genetic factors are cited as affecting the health of the mother and infant. The need for prenatal educa tion is argued. This educa tion would have as its goal awareness on the part of pregnant women that their behaviour affects the health of their infant. Such pro grammes would be evaluated in terms of their effect upon maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates. To be most effective, it is suggested that prenatal education prog rammes be developed and con ducted by health educators.