Effects of birth preparedness and complication readiness on pregnancy outcome in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR), a component of focused antenatal care, has a great potential to reducing maternal and newborn deaths in low-income countries. However, the success of this strategy is not well known in most of sub-Saharan Africa, and the effectiveness of the strategy has not been widely studied. Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of BPCR on pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cohort study of eligible consecutive pregnant women presenting in labour at a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of labour were compared between women who had a birth plan (n = 115) and a control group without a birth plan (n = 115). Results: The mean age of the parturients was 27.87 ± 5.20 years. Women who had a birth plan were less likely to have postpartum anaemia (P < 0.001), receive blood transfusion (P < 0.001), and have prolonged hospital stay (P = 0.03). Their neonates were at less risk of low birth weight (P = 0.02) and admission into newborn special care unit (P = 0.003). There was no association between BPCR and incidence of Caesarean section (P = 0.65) and maternal satisfaction (P = 0.20). Conclusion: The practice of BPCR in Abakaliki, Nigeria, is associated with some favourable maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study findings indicate the need for more advocacies for adequate implementation of BPCR during pregnancy in Nigeria.