The Changing Pattern of Prenatal Care Utilization in the United States, 1981-1995, Using Different Prenatal Care Indices

Abstract
PRENATAL CARE is one of the most frequently used health services in the United States according to data from the 1995 National Medical Ambulatory Care Survey.1 The National Medical Ambulatory Care Survey estimated that there were 23.3 million prenatal visits to either physicians' offices, outpatient departments, or emergency departments in 1995.1 Moreover, after general medical examination, prenatal care is the most frequently cited preventive health service.1 Numerous studies2-13 have indicated the positive benefits of prenatal care use. Based in part on these reports, national programs and policies, such as the Year 2000 Objectives for the United States, have been initiated to increase prenatal care access or availability.14-16

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