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This review focused on two components of antenatal care: the frequency of antenatal care visits, and the type of care-provider for antenatal care. When a schedule of reduced number of antenatal care visits was compared with the conventional schedule of antenatal visits, a moderate reduction in the number of antenatal visits was not associated with an increase in adverse perinatal or maternal outcome. In some trials with a schedule of reduced number of antenatal visits, the emphasis at each of these visits was on goal-oriented activities rather than ritualistic routines. The largest trials involved antenatal care clinics in developing countries where there were significant reductions in number of antenatal visits as well as provider and client costs in the goal-oriented antenatal care group. However, women can be less satisfied with the reduced number of visits.

In comparison to obstetrician-led shared antenatal care, women’s satisfaction was greater in the midwife/general practitioner managed care which provided greater continuity of care and care providers. The latter category was clinically equally effective and less costly in terms of salary costs of care providers.

The review has been carried out satisfactorily. Relevant trials on the subject have been included and appropriately analysed.

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