Iran Journal of Nursing

  Background and Aim: One of the most important objectives of millennium development goals of World Health Organization is promotion of mothers’ health. Pregnancy is one of the most critical and important periods in woman's life. The main objective of this study was to survey the effectiveness of health services for mothers in Iran health system in dimensions of change in health status of women during pregnancy period, performance of health care personnel in delivering of services, documentation of activities and health networks in logistic and management sections.

  Material and Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study in which data related to 1500 mothers, who had documented evidence of prenatal care in health houses of Iran Health network during 2 pregnancies, were collected. Based on data gathered from their medical records, quality of prenatal care was compared between 2 pregnancies.

  Results: Results show improvements in quantity of services, performance of health personnel and health network in supportive functions. But documents in medical records are not complete, especially in controlling blood presser and laboratory testes, for example, regarding anemia.

  Conclusion: Monitoring and assessment of health services in health networks must be revised based on outcome in order to increase productivity. Health care services for mothers should be planned and conducted by members of health care team (doctors, midwives, Behvars and Mother).