To reinforce these recommendations and to provide guidance, the New York State Department of Health convened an expert panel of health care professionals who are involved in promoting the health of pregnant women and children. The panel reviewed literature, identified existing interventions, practices and guidelines, assessed issues of concern, and developed recommendations. Since it is highly unlikely that a sufficient number of studies will be available in the near future to make evidence-based recommendations for all clinical situations, the group relied on expert consensus when controlled studies were not available to address specific issues and concerns
