The systematic review described in this report is part of a programme of work, commissioned by the Department of Health, to strengthen the evidence base on interventions to reduce infant mortality, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities in infant mortality. The purpose of this review was to systematically identify and evaluate the evidence relating to the effectiveness of interventions, relevant in the context of the National Health Service (NHS), which aim to increase the early initiation of comprehensive antenatal care in socially disadvantaged and vulnerable women.