International Journal of
eISSN: 2574-9889
Submit manuscript...
Research Article Volume 12 Issue 3
Pregnancy and newborn care: A comprehensive narrative review of the maternal–newborn continuum of care
Shashi Prakash¹, Shreya Sharma², Aparna Shukla²
Received: September 20, 2026 | Published: October 6, 2026
Citation: Prakash S. Pregnancy and newborn care: A comprehensive narrative review of the maternal–newborn continuum of care. Pregnancy & Child Birth. 2026;12(3):87-100. DOI: 10.15406/ipcb.2026.12.00348
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy, childbirth, and the neonatal period represent interconnected stages of the maternal–newborn continuum of care, during which timely access to highquality health services can substantially influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although advances in maternal and newborn health services have contributed to reductions in preventable morbidity and mortality, important challenges remain, particularly in the early identification and management of maternal and newborn complications and in ensuring continuity of care. Objective: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on evidence-based maternal and newborn care from pregnancy through childbirth and the postnatal period, with particular emphasis on antenatal care, maternal nutrition, high-risk pregnancy, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, anaemia, fetal assessment, birth preparedness, skilled intrapartum care, immediate newborn care, breastfeeding, preterm and low-birthweight infant care, kangaroo mother care (KMC), neonatal danger signs, and postnatal follow-up.\ Review approach: Relevant literature and recommendations were identified from PubMed/ MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, World Health Organization (WHO) publications, and selected Government of India resources. Priority was given to WHO guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and recent peer-reviewed literature published primarily between 2020 and 2026, while retaining earlier landmark guidance where it remained applicable. Key findings: Evidence indicates that quality antenatal care provides an important platform for health promotion, nutritional support, maternal and fetal assessment, prevention and detection of complications, birth preparedness, and referral when required. High-risk conditions, including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, anaemia, fetal growth abnormalities, and preterm birth, require timely identification and appropriate management. Essential newborn care includes immediate assessment, thorough drying, thermal protection, skin-to-skin contact, appropriate cord care, breastfeeding support, infection prevention, recognition of danger signs, and neonatal resuscitation when indicated. For preterm and low-birth-weight infants, KMC is supported by substantial evidence and is associated with reduced neonatal mortality and severe infection. Continuity of personcentred and respectful care from pregnancy through the postnatal period is important for maternal and newborn well-being. Conclusion: The evidence supports an integrated maternal–newborn continuum of care that links antenatal, intrapartum, immediate newborn, and postnatal services. Nurses and midwives have central roles in assessment, health education, early identification of complications, breastfeeding support, newborn care, KMC, family counselling, referral, and continuity of care. Strengthening quality, respectful, equitable, and evidence-based maternal and newborn services should remain a priority for clinical practice, nursing education, health-system planning, and future research.
Keywords: pregnancy, antenatal care, maternal health, newborn care, neonatal health, high-risk pregnancy, breastfeeding, preterm birth, kangaroo mother care, postnatal care, nursing, midwifery, continuum of care
©2026 Prakash, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.