Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study limitations (unclear allocation concealment and blinding of outcome assessment) and by imprecise results (few studies and outcome events).
A Cochrane review included 4 studies with a total of 2 350 subjects. In most Western countries, antenatal care traditionally involves a schedule of one-to-one visits with a care provider. There were no statistically significant differences between women who received group antenatal care compared with standard one-to-one care for the primary outcomes of preterm birth (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.00; 3 trials; n=1888). The proportion of low birthweight (less than 2500 g) babies, (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.23; 3 trials, n=1 935), small-for-gestational age (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.24; 2 trials, n=1 473), or perinatal mortality (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.25; 3 trials, n=1 943). Satisfaction was rated high in women who were allocated to group antenatal care but only measured in one trial. In this trial, the mean satisfaction with care in group antenatal care was almost five times higher compared with those allocated to standard care (n=993). A number of outcomes related to stress, distress and depression were reported in one trial. There were no differences between the groups in any of these outcomes.
Date of latest search: 31 October 2014