Evaluating the Number of Prenatal Visits and Maternal Outcomes in Low-Risk Patients [ID 1083]

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal care is crucial for maternal and fetal health. The World Health Organization defines adequate care as at least eight prenatal visits (PNVs) with an ultrasound before 24 weeks of gestation. This study investigates the association between adequate prenatal care and maternal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients aged 18–34 who delivered singleton pregnancies at an urban academic hospital from 2020 to 2023. Patients with PNVs at external clinics or preexisting diabetes/hypertension were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: those with at least eight PNVs and an ultrasound before 24 weeks of gestation, and those with fewer visits or no ultrasound before 24 weeks. Primary outcomes included rates of pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, intra-amniotic infection, and postpartum hemorrhage. Secondary outcomes included labor induction, cesarean, and operative delivery. RESULTS: Among 626 patients, 306 (48.8%) had adequate prenatal care, whereas 320 (51.1%) had inadequate care. The average number of PNVs was 10.6 in the adequate group, and 6.25 in the inadequate group. The groups had similar demographics, with an average age of 28 years and no significant differences in parity. Inadequate care was associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery (odds ratio 4.9; 95% CI [2.58–10.32]), but no statistically significant differences were found in any other maternal outcomes or provider interventions. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: In our study, fewer than eight PNVs was only associated with a significantly higher likelihood of preterm delivery. Obstetric providers should improve access to prenatal care by aiming for at least eight prenatal care visits.