The provision of preconception and prenatal care is a critical and time-honored role for family physicians. It could even be termed the first preventive care a human being receives. It has been suggested by some studies that, because of the continuity of care that is considered a cornerstone of family practice, family physicians provide prenatal care that may improve birth outcome. Although prenatal care is acknowledged as important for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, there is debate regarding the true efficacy of prenatal care.
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