Research indicated that the initiation of prenatal care did have an effect on the likelihood of high-risk pregnancies. Those least likely to initiate prenatal care were less educated, living alone, or did not plan their pregnancies. These women explained that service barriers were the most significant factor affecting the decision of low-income women to initiate prenatal care (Sunil, Spears, Hook, Castillo, & Torres, 2010). Service barriers include transportation, delays in appointments, long waiting times, and childcare. Surprisingly, the study did not find a correlation between financial barriers and personal barriers to affect initiation of services. Therefore, improved service accommodations such as transportation assistance, childcare on site, and quicker appointment opportunities may encourage women to prepare for birth at an earlier stage, ultimately improving the health of the mother and child.The study did find a difference of initiation for women enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. These women were more likely to begin prenatal care early in their pregnancy, and were at a lower risk for pregnancy complications (Sunil, Spears, Hook, Castillo, & Torres, 2010). Breastfeeding incentives and counseling offered by the WIC program have proven to be effective preventative measures to ensure the chances of a healthier pregnancy.
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Sunil, T.S., Spears, W.D., Hook, L., Castillo, J., Torres, C. "Initiation of and barriers to prenatal care use among low-income women in San Antonio, Texas." (2010). Matern Child Health J, 14:133-140.
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