Presentation For Antenatal Care Research Articles

Exploring factors associated with first antenatal care booking among pregnant women in Northwestern Tanzania

Objectives: Pregnant women are advised to schedule their initial antenatal care (ANC) visit during the first trimester to detect and treat any medical issues as well as screen for risk factors that may affect the course and outcome of their pregnancy. Nonetheless, delayed first ANC presentation is typical, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study sought to determine the timing of the first ANC booking and identify factors that influence the first ANC booking among pregnant women. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was carried out from June–August 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Epi Info 7.2 and STATA version 15.0 software. Independent factors for the first ANC booking were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis using odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and a P-value cut-off of ≤0.05. Results: A total of 402 pregnant women were recruited for the study. The bulk of participants, 189 (47.0%), were between 25 and 34 years. More than half 279/402(69.4%) of the pregnant women booked their first ANC appointment beyond 12 weeks of gestation. The married pregnant women had almost four-fold booking ANC earlier compared to single women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–14.4, P = 0.036). Similarly, employed pregnant women were 2.8 times more likely to book their first ANC visits earlier as compared to self-employed women (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3–5.8, P = 0.006). In addition, women receiving support from their family or partner were more likely to book their first ANC as recommended compared to those lacking such support (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–0.9, P = 0.022). Finally, those who planned pregnancy were 2 times more likely to book their first ANC visit within the recommended time, unlike those who did not (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.3–2.1, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Despite the known benefits of early antenatal appointments, many pregnant women delay their first visit, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address socioeconomic barriers and improve health-care access, thus encouraging timely ANC bookings and better maternal health outcomes.

Late registration for ante natal care by pregnant women with previous caesarean section

BackgroundDespite good access to antenatal care services for most women in Botswana, and regular training of health care workers in obstetrics and gynaecology, many pregnant women with previous caesarean section still presented late for antennal care at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital (LIIMH), in Maun, Botswana. Presenting late for antenatal care may lead to morbidity and mortality among pregnant women with previous caesarean section, and the babies they are carrying. Knowing the reasons why women with previous caesarean section present late for antenatal care may help in the formulation of interventions that decrease late presentation. Decreasing late presentation for ante natal care among pregnant women with previous caesarean section may decrease morbidity and mortality among these women and their babies.Aim The aim of the study was to explore the reasons why pregnant women with previous caesarean section registered late for ante natal care.SettingThis study was done at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital (LIIMH); a district a hospital situated in Maun Botswana.MethodsThis was a descriptive qualitative study. Consenting pregnant women who had a previous caesarean section delivery, were interviewed in the local language, until data saturation. These women presented at LIIMH, Maun, after the 20th week of pregnancy. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, translated into English and analysed thematically, using ATLAS-ti software.ResultsThe reasons that were raised by participants for late registration for antenatal care were lack of information, misconception on the appropriate booking time, and not knowing the place for their antenatal care. Participants’ dissatisfaction with the quality of clinic antenatal care, use of alternative antenatal care providers, delayed referral from local clinics, and experience from previous pregnancies were also mentioned as reasons for late registration.Discussion and ConclusionInadequate knowledge of antenatal care, and not knowing the planned place of delivery contributed to delays in registering for antenatal care at LIIMH. Dissatisfaction with antenatal care, and use of alternative antenatal care providers was another important factor. There is a need to keep pregnant women with previous caesarean section well informed about plans for their delivery, and for enlisting the help of alternative ante natal care providers, so as to improve management of pregnant women with previous caesarean section.

Association between malaria and undernutrition among pregnant women at presentation for antenatal care in health facilities in the Mount Cameroon region.

In resource limited settings, malaria and undernutrition are major public health problems in pregnancy. Therefore, this study assessed the association between malaria infection and undernutrition among pregnant women in the Mount Cameroon area. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1,014 pregnant women consecutively over a year. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and clinical data. Maternal nutrition was assessed using dietary diversity (DD). Peripheral blood samples collected were used for the diagnosis of malaria parasitaemia by microscopy whereas haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined using an Hb meter. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with malaria and dietary diversity. The prevalence of malaria infection and undernutrition was 17.8% and 89.6% respectively. In addition, of those infected with malaria, geometric mean parasite density was 301/μL of blood (range: 40-9280) while mean DD score was 3.57±0.82 (range: 1-7). The odds of being infected with malaria parasitaemia was highest among women enrolled in the rainy season (OR = 1.58, P = 0.043), who were farmers (OR = 2.3, P = 0.030), had a household size of < 4 individuals (OR = 1.48, P = 0.026) and who were febrile (OR = 1.87, P < 0.001). Also, attending clinic visits in Mutengene Medical Centre (OR = 2.0, P = 0.012) or Buea Integrated Health Centre (OR = 2.9, P = < 0.001), being < 25 years (OR = 2.4, P = 0.002) and a farmer (OR = 10.6, P = 0.024) as well as < 4 clinic visits (OR = 1.62, P = 0.039) were identified as predictors of undernutrition. Furthermore, the association between malaria and DD was statistically significant (P = 0.015). In this study, undernutrition was highly frequent than malaria infection. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve maternal awareness through nutritional counselling and health campaigns on the benefits of consuming at least five food groups. Besides, improved maternal dietary nutrient intake is likely to have impact on the burden of malaria parasite infection.

The magnitude and determinants of delayed initiation of antenatal care among pregnant women in Gambia; evidence from Gambia demographic and health survey data

BackgroundDespite gains throughout the 20th century, maternal health remains a major public health concern. Despite global efforts to enhance access to maternal and child healthcare services, women in low- and middle-income countries still have a high risk of dying during pregnancy and after birth. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and determinants of late antenatal care initiation among reproductive age women in Gambia.MethodSecondary data analysis was conducted using the 2019-20 Gambian demographic and health survey data. All reproductive age women who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey and who had an antenatal care visit for the last child were included in this study. The total weighted sample size analyzed was 5310. Due to the hierarchical nature of demographic and health survey data, a multi-level logistic regression model was performed to identify the individual and community level factors associated with delayed first antenatal care initiation.ResultIn this study, the prevalence of delayed initiation of initial antenatal care was 56% ranged from 56 to 59%. Women with age 25–34 [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.77; 95% CI 0.67–0.89], 35–49 [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.77; 95% CI 0.65–0.90] and women reside in urban area [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.59; 95% CI 0.47–0.75] respectively had lower odds of delayed first antenatal care initiation. While women with unplanned pregnancy [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.60; 95% CI 1.37–1.84], no health insurance [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.78; 95% CI 1.14–2.76] and previous history of cesarean delivery [Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.50; 95% CI 1.10–2.07] had higher odds of delayed initiation of antenatal care.ConclusionDespite the established advantages of early antenatal care initiation, this study revealed that late antenatal care initiation is still common in Gambia. Unplanned pregnancy, residence, health insurance, history of caesarian delivery, and age were significantly associated with delayed first antenatal care presentation. Therefore, focusing extra attention on these high-risk individuals could reduce delayed first antenatal care visit and this further minimizes maternal and fetal health concerns by recognizing and acting early.

Blood pressure as a risk factor for eclampsia and pulmonary oedema in pre-eclampsia.

We evaluated whether blood pressure and change in blood pressure measurements during pregnancy were associated with eclampsia or pulmonary oedema among women with pre-eclampsia. Observational study of women with eclampsia, pre-eclampsia complicated by pulmonary oedema and pre-eclampsia without end-organ complications (pre-eclampsia controls) at a large referral center in Cape Town, South Africa. Blood pressure measurements at presentation for antenatal care were compared to measurements after a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. Mean blood pressures and changes in blood pressures were also calculated and compared between groups at different time points. A sub analysis including women who presented for antenatal care before 20weeks of gestation was performed. When diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, women with pulmonary oedema had increased systolic blood pressures and women with eclampsia had increased diastolic blood pressures compared to pre-eclampsia controls. There were no differences in blood pressure measurements in early pregnancy between women who later developed eclampsia or pulmonary oedema compared to pre-eclampsia controls. Blood pressure measurements in early pregnancy do not seem useful as a risk factor for the development of eclampsia or pulmonary oedema among women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Increased systolic or diastolic pressure at diagnosis of pre-eclampsia may be useful as a risk factor for the development of pulmonary oedema or eclampsia. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Distance matters: barriers to antenatal care and safe childbirth in a migrant population on the Thailand-Myanmar border from 2007 to 2015, a pregnancy cohort study

BackgroundAntenatal care and skilled childbirth services are important interventions to improve maternal health and lower the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and mortality. A growing body of literature has shown that geographic distance to clinics can be a disincentive towards seeking care during pregnancy. On the Thailand-Myanmar border antenatal clinics serving migrant populations have found high rates of loss to follow-up of 17.4%, but decades of civil conflict have made the underlying factors difficult to investigate. Here we perform a comprehensive study examining the geographic, demographic, and health-related factors contributing to loss to follow-up.MethodsUsing patient records we conducted a spatial and epidemiological analysis looking for predictors of loss to follow-up and pregnancy outcomes between 2007 and 2015. We used multivariable negative binomial regressions to assess for associations between distance travelled to the clinic and birth outcomes (loss to follow-up, pregnancy complications, and time of first presentation for antenatal care.)ResultsWe found distance travelled to clinic strongly predicts loss to follow-up, miscarriage, malaria infections in pregnancy, and presentation for antenatal care after the first trimester. People lost to follow-up travelled 50% farther than people who had a normal singleton childbirth (a ratio of distances (DR) 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4 – 1.5). People with pregnancies complicated by miscarriage travelled 20% farther than those who did not have miscarriages (DR: 1.2; CI 1.1–1.3), and those with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy travelled 60% farther than those without P. falciparum (DR: 1.6; CI: 1.6 – 1.8). People who delayed antenatal care until the third trimester travelled 50% farther compared to people who attended in the first trimester (DR: 1.5; CI: 1.4 – 1.5).ConclusionsThis analysis provides the first evidence of the complex impact of geography on access to antenatal services and pregnancy outcomes in the rural, remote, and politically complex Thailand-Myanmar border region. These findings can be used to help guide evidence-based interventions to increase uptake of maternal healthcare both in the Thailand-Myanmar region and in other rural, remote, and politically complicated environments.

Preconception Care in a Remote Aboriginal Community Context: What, When and by Whom?

Preconception care (PCC) is acknowledged as a vital preventive health measure aiming to promote health today and for subsequent generations. We aimed to describe the content and context of PCC delivery in a very remote Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service setting. A retrospective audit was undertaken to identify what PCC was delivered between 2011 and 2018 to 127 Aboriginal women who had at least one pregnancy during this period. Of 177 confirmed pregnancies, 121 had received PCC prior to the pregnancy. Sexually transmissible infection screening (71%) was the most common care delivered, followed by folic acid prescription (57%) and smoking cessation support (43%). Younger women received PCC less often, particularly screening for modifiable pregnancy risk factors. Rates of prediabetes/diabetes, albuminuria, overweight/obesity and smoking were high amongst those screened (48–60%). PCC was usually patient-initiated and increased significantly over the audit period. Presentation for antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy was high at 73%. Opportunities to increase PCC delivery include integration with routine health checks, pregnancy tests and chronic disease programs. PCC programs codesigned with young people are also recommended. All primary care providers should be supported and assisted to provide opportunistic PCC and health promotion.

Maternal MUAC and fetal outcome in an Indian tertiary care hospital: A prospective observational study.

Studies to date demonstrated the relatedness of mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement of pregnant women to their anthropometry/weight. Hence, the objective was to determine whether maternal MUAC at different gestational age predicted birthweight, and if so, to identify which cut‐offs provided the best prediction of low birthweight (LBW) in pregnant women cohort. A total of 928 pregnant women, free of any obstetrical and medical complications known to affect fetal growth, were followed from 20 to 24 weeks' gestation till delivery. Weight, height, and MUAC were determined for the pregnant women, and gestational age along with newborns anthropometry was collected. The mean birthweight was 2.6 ± 0.460 kg. Maternal age, height, weight, MUAC (three time points), gestational age at delivery, and post‐natal weight showed positive correlation with birthweight, crown heel length, and head circumference of the neonates. The cut‐off limit with the best sensitivity–specificity (54.0 and 59.8, respectively) for MUAC was 23 cm, whereas maternal weight of 55 kg had sensitivity and specificity of 62.5 and 59.9 for predicting LBW. Maternal weight of 55 kg and MUAC value of 23 cm had almost similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting LBW. MUAC (≤23 cm) can be considered as a potential indicator of LBW where weighing of pregnant women is not feasible or when presentation for antenatal care is late, especially where pre‐pregnancy weights are not available.

Antenatal care presentation and engagement in the context of sex work: exploring barriers to care for sex worker mothers in South Africa

BackgroundLate presentation combined with limited engagement in antenatal care (ANC) increases risk of vertical transmission among mothers living with HIV. Female sex workers (FSW) have more than four times greater burden of HIV than other women of reproductive age in South Africa and the majority of FSW are mothers. For mothers who sell sex and are at increased HIV acquisition risk, timely and routine ANC seeking is especially vital for prevention of vertical transmission. This study represents a mixed-methods study with FSW in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to characterize factors influencing ANC seeking behaviors in a high HIV prevalence context.MethodsFSW (n = 410) were recruited into a cross-sectional study through respondent-driven sampling between October 2014 and April 2015 and tested for HIV and pregnancy. A sub-sample of pregnant and postpartum women (n = 30) were invited to participate in in-depth interviews (IDIs) to explore their current or most recent pregnancy experiences. IDIs were coded using a modified grounded theory approach and descriptive analyses assessed the frequency of themes explored in the qualitative analysis among the quantitative sample.ResultsIn the quantitative survey, 77% of FSW were mothers (313/410); of these, two-thirds were living with HIV (212/313) and 40% reported being on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (84/212). FSW in the qualitative sub-sample reported unintended pregnancies with clients due to inconsistent contraceptive use; many reported discovering their unintended pregnancies between 4 and 7 months of gestation. FSW attributed delayed ANC seeking and ART initiation in the second or third trimesters to late pregnancy detection. Other factors limiting engagement in ANC included substance and alcohol use and discontent with previous healthcare-related experiences.ConclusionsLate pregnancy discovery, primarily because pregnancies were unplanned, contributed to late ANC presentation and delayed ART initiation, increasing risks of vertical HIV transmission. Given limited ART coverage among participants, addressing the broader sexual and reproductive health and rights needs of mothers who sell sex has important implications for preventing vertical transmission of HIV. Integrating comprehensive family planning services into FSW programming, as well as providing active linkage to ANC services may reduce barriers to accessing timely ANC, decreasing risks of vertical transmission.

Closing the gaps: Steps towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

Background. With significant reductions in the rate of HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in South Africa, each case of failed prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) should be investigated. Objective. To establish the cause(s) of MTCT at Khayelitsha’s Community Health Centre (CHC) in order to identify obstacles to MTCT elimination.Methods. Routinely collected data were reviewed for all HIV-infected infants identified at Khayelitsha Site B CHC from January 2012 to April 2013.Results. A total of 926/1 158 (80%) of exposed infants had polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, with 15/926 (1.6%) PCR-positive. Median (interquartile range (IQR)) values for the maternal indicators were as follows: maternal age, 27 (23 - 31) years; parity, 2 (1 - 3); gestational age at antenatal presentation, 21.5 (17.5 - 30.5) weeks; CD4+, 377(219 - 446) cells/µl. Of the 15 PCR-positive infants, five received ART, five received AZT and five received no prophylaxis. Viral loads were not monitored for any of the women receiving antenatal ART. Nine of the 15 (60%) delivered in hospital, with 6/9 requiring caesarean section. The median (IQR) infant birth weight was 3.0 (2.6 - 3.5) kg. All received prophylactic nevirapine post exposure. Two of the 15 were clinically unwell at birth, and 14 (86.7%) were breastfed, with 10 (66.7%) recorded as exclusively breastfed. Median (IQR) time between delivery and PCR results was 6.6 (6.1 - 7.3) weeks. Discussion. PMTCT programmes must consider each PCR-positive infant as a sentinel event that can provide valuable insight into correcting ongoing clinical and programmatic reasons for HIV transmission. The main risk factors for MTCT identified in this study were late presentation for antenatal care, inadequate antenatal PMTCT prophylaxis and a lack of viral load monitoring.