Routine antenatal management at the booking clinic

Antenatal care has been the subject of much interest, both medical and political, since its inception at the beginning of the 20th century. Only recently has this care come under scrutiny from a scientific perspective. Much of the content of antenatal care is now recognised as ritual rather than vital. This review assesses those aspects of antenatal management at the booking visit that are considered routine for every pregnant woman, identifying areas of proven benefit.