What are the major goals of prenatal care as outlined in the chapter?

The major goals of prenatal care include promoting the health of the mother, fetus, newborn, and family; ensuring a safe birth by promoting good health habits and reducing risk factors; teaching health habits for continuation after pregnancy; educating in self-care; developing a partnership with parents for continuous care; providing physical care; and preparing parents for parenthood responsibilities.

Prenatal care aims to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and child through early and regular care. It involves promoting the health of the mother, fetus, newborn, and family by encouraging good health habits and reducing risk factors. Education in self-care and health habits that can be continued post-pregnancy is a key component. Additionally, prenatal care seeks to develop a partnership with parents and family to provide continuous and coordinated health care. Physical care is provided, and parents are prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood. Health care providers work as an interprofessional team to support cultural and individual differences within the family.