Integration of Pediatrics into Prenatal Care: Impact on Maternal and Newborn Health in the First Month of Life

Abstract

Introduction: Prenatal pediatric consultation represents an innovative strategy to integrate maternal and child health care, allowing early parental preparation, strengthening the parent–pediatrician bond, and promoting key preventive practices such as breastfeeding, neonatal immunization, screening, and newborn safety. Aim: To systematically review the scientific literature to evaluate the impact of integrating pediatric consultation into prenatal care on maternal and child health outcomes during the first two years of life. Methodology: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library (BVS) for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Additional documents from the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO) were reviewed. Eligible studies included clinical trials, cohort, case-control, and observational studies assessing maternal and child outcomes associated with prenatal pediatric consultation. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were observational and evaluated indicators such as exclusive breastfeeding, parental preparedness, and neonatal outcomes. Prenatal pediatric consultation was associated with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates, reduced parental anxiety, improved maternal–child bonding, and lower incidences of neonatal hospitalization, low birth weight, and prematurity. National guidelines consistently supported this practice, though international literature remains heterogeneous regarding standardized protocols and causality. Conclusion: Integrating pediatric consultation into prenatal care positively influences maternal and neonatal outcomes and enhances parental readiness. Expanding this practice within public health systems, such as the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), may strengthen primary prevention and promote healthier early development. Further randomized and longitudinal studies are needed to consolidate causal evidence and guide public policy implementation.