Abstract

Background and objective: This study was done to get an idea about the socio demographic profile and assess the ante natal care coverage of mothers who delivered their babies in a block primary health centre in a part of rural India. Materials and methods: This study was an observational and descriptive type of epidemiological study for 2 months. Sample size was n=180. Pretested questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha 0.871), ante natal cards, bed head tickets and other medical records were used as study tools. Results: 51.1% mothers were married before 20 years and 60.0% mothers were of less than 20 years age during 1st pregnancy. 50.6% mothers and 48.9% husbands of the mothers were illiterate. 86.1% mothers belonged to Below Poverty Level (BPL) category. 55.6% mothers were primi para. 49.4% women were late registered (booked) after 16 weeks of gestation, and 17.8% mothers were not registered at all. Only 15% mothers had 4 or more than 4 complete ante natal checkups done. 70.6% mothers received complete course of tetanus toxoid vaccine. 83.3% mothers did not receive different health and dietary advices and 28.9% mothers were not at all aware of the danger signs of pregnancy. Only 27.8% mothers received full dose of iron and folic acid supplementation. About necessary laboratory investigations and ultra sonography of feto-placental profile, only 12.8% mothers completed all necessary tests. Discussion and conclusion: Poor socio economic conditions, poor educational background and lack of awareness about the need of proper ante natal checkups, investigations, care and coverage might impose a heavy toll on maternal and infant mortality rates in future in these parts of the developing countries

Highlights

  • Pregnant mothers contribute to a major vulnerable and priority group in any community, no less in India

  • The distribution of mothers according to socio demographic profile has been enumerated in tables 1 and 2 shows the distribution of mothers according to proper ante natal care and advices

  • 51.1% mothers were of below 20 years of age, and 60.0% mothers had first pregnancy below 20 years of age. 50.6% of mothers were illiterate, and 48.9% of their husbands were illiterate, both being exceedingly alarming. 86.1% mothers belonged to Below Poverty Level (BPL) status. 55.6% mothers were primi para

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Summary

Introduction

Pregnant mothers contribute to a major vulnerable and priority group in any community, no less in India. The reason being lack of proper ante natal care coverage and lack of awareness among mothers from rural parts of India, contributing the major population, about the need of early registration and compliance with proper and regular ante natal checkups [2]. Ante natal care is the proper health care and services given to the pregnant mothers from the time of conception till delivery. They ensure, promote and protect the health of mothers during pregnancy; detect high risk cases and give special attention; foresee complications and try to prevent them; remove anxiety during delivery; prevent maternal, peri natal, post natal and infant mortalities, teach mothers the elements of child care, nutrition, personal hygiene and environmental sanitation; and sensitize the mothers the need and proper ways of family planning methods.

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