Association between suboptimal prenatal care and pregnancy outcomes

Background: The maternal-newborn unit at Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) in Leamington serves a diverse population, including migrant agricultural workers and refugee women, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing prenatal care. Suboptimal prenatal care, defined as fewer than ten visits, has been linked to increased caesarean and instrumental deliveries, which carry higher health risks and economic costs compared to vaginal deliveries. Objective: This study investigates the association between prenatal care visits and pregnancy outcomes, particularly delivery methods, to optimize resource allocation and improve care delivery. Method: The null hypothesis posits no significant difference in delivery methods between women on prenatal care who attend ten or more prenatal visits (control) and women on prenatal care who attend less than ten visits. Using a retrospective case-control design, the study will analyze five years of perinatal care data from ESHC. A sample size of 458, accounting for missing data, will provide 80% power to detect meaningful differences. Implications: Findings will inform resource allocation and guide the development of targeted prenatal care initiatives, including collaborations with the Migrant Worker Community Program. By addressing gaps in care for vulnerable populations, the project aims to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes and healthcare costs while establishing baseline data for future research to improve maternal health in similar communities.