The general objective of this study is to evaluate prenatal care in the specific context of rural China. It also aims to define the optimal content of prenatal care for the context of rural China, to evaluate the effect of such prenatal care on infant and maternal outcomes, using a community based, well designed controlled trial in rural counties. Finally, it aims to describe the process of conducting a controlled study using community resources.

The study was conducted in a rural county of 900,000 people in Anhui province, in eastern China. The total area of the county is almost 3,000 square kilometres. The majority of the population of the county is engaged in farming. In terms of national GDP rankings, the study county is typical of less developed rural areas in China. Twenty townships (10 interventions and 10 control) out of a total of 55 were selected - on the basis of having sufficient health facilities and staff - for a controlled trial on the introduction of systematic prenatal care in the area.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pregnant woman in program area (in 20 townships) from August 2000 to March 2003

Exclusion Criteria:

• outsiders of program area