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112
hemorrhage were not significantly different between the
two groups, although we did not compare the severity of
preeclampsia between the groups and it requires further
studies. Similarly, a study in 1996, the group with in-
adequate care did not have a significant increase in the
rate of preeclampsia (p = 0.74) [7].
In the present study, the birth weight of newborn with
adequate prenatal care was significantly higher. In a
study Hueston et al, indicated that the prevalence of low
birth weight was lower in newborns who had received
prenatal care from the first trimester compared to those
who had received the care in the second and third tri-
mester [5]. Goldani (2004) considers the impact of pre-
natal care on improving birth weight as the result of pre-
vention of newborns with SGA, better nutrition during
pregnancy and reduced cigarette smoking in women with
adequate prenatal care [8].
The present study reported that, the rate of NICU ad-
mission was lower in the group with adequate prenatal
care. Nevertheless, the 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores
were not significantly different between the two groups.
However, in the study by Boss et al, sufficient prenatal
care was associated with improved neonatal mortality,
birth weight, and Apgar scores [12].
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Deputy of Research at
Kerman University of Medical Sciences for their sponsorship.
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