Antenatal and Postnatal Care

Optimal care during the antenatal and postnatal phases of the life cycle is a potentially positive determinant of health elsewhere in the continuum. A successful transition from the antenatal to the postnatal period requires early detection, optimal management, and prevention of disease; health promotion; birth preparedness; and complication readiness. Women, their babies, and families need appropriate evidence-based care based on their dignity and human rights before, during, and after birth. In this review, we present an overview of the components of antenatal and postnatal care needed to provide women a culturally sensitive and positive pregnancy and postnatal experience. The challenge of antenatal and postnatal care is determining their core components and underpinning them with evidence without overmedicalizing their practice.