Primi Mothers Research Articles

Effect of back massage on pain perception during first stage of labor among primi mothers in a teaching hospital

Introduction: Labor pain is experienced and endured by every childbearing woman, and pain relief measures are often neglected. Thus, this study aimed to identify the effect of back massage on pain perception during the first stage of labor among primi mothers at Patan Hospital. Method: A quasi experimental study was conducted among 56 primi mothers (28 experimental and 28 control groups) selected purposively in the active room of the maternity ward. Mothers who met the inclusion criteria were assigned non-randomly into experimental (received usual labor care and mustard oil back massage) and control groups (received usual labor care). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess labor pain before and after 15 minutes of intervention in both groups, and the data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 16 software. Result: The mean score of pain perceived by mothers before intervention in the experimental group was 68.21 mm, and the control group was 69.39 mm. There was a significant difference in pain perception before and after back massage in the experimental group (p<0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was found after intervention in the experimental and control groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Back massage was effective in reducing labor pain. The findings of the study might be helpful to those planning to include labor pain relief measures in maternity wards.

Assessment of Health Seeking Behavior of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy among Elderly Primi Mother

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diagnosed by elevated blood glucose in pregnancy though the definition has changed repeatedly since its first description in the 1960’s. The most frequently reported perinatal consequence of GDM is macrosomia (usually defined as a neonate weighing over 4 kg) which can increase the risk of caesarean section and shoulder dystocia. For the mother, there are also potential longer-term consequences including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy and/or in later life. The investigators of a large international Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study aimed to identify a cut-point in the continuum to decide the blood glucose level (BGL) thresholds that should be used to define GDM.
 Objective: To assess the incidence rate of gestational diabetes in pregnancy among the elderly primi mother. To assess the health seeking behavior of gestational diabetes in elderlyprimimothers. To associate the demographic variables of gestational diabetes in elderly primi mothers.
 Materials and Methods: A Descriptive research study was to assess the incidence and Health seeking behavior of gestational diabetes in pregnancy among the elderly primi mother. The target population for the study includes all antenatal women (12-36 weeks of gestation) who attend the antenatal clinics of AVBRH Out Patient Department. Sample consists of sub set of units that compose accessible population. In this study sample size was 100 elderly primi mother of selected area of community of Wardha. A tool is an instrument or equipment used for collection of data. A blue print was prepared prior to the construction of knowledge questionnaire based on which items were developed.
 Results: A finding shows that (41%) were having good, (40%) were having very good, (17%) were having average and (2%) were having excellent knowledge score. The minimum score was 05 and maximum score was 14, the mean score for the test was 8.93 ± 2.23 and mean percentage of knowledge was 59.54%. There was no significant association in relation to age, education, occupation, No.of gravida, income etc.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MIDWIFE LED EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING ANTENATAL EXERCISES AND DIET COUNSELLING AMONG PRIMI MOTHERS IN A SELECTED RURAL AREA AT TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

Pregnancy is one of the most profound times in a woman’s life. It is marked by a variety of physical changes, as well as by thoughts and feelings that sometimes overwhelm the mother-to-be. Though pregnancy is generally a time of joy and well-being, complications can occur that cloud the experience and put the patient and her unborn child at risk. When primi mothers gain information about the antenatal exercises and diet, they become more able to understand of how to deal with the pregnancy and it will be easy for them to take care themselves. Materials and methods: A true experimental research design of pre and posttest with control group was adopted for the present study.

Breastfeeding Techniques: Outcome on Knowledge among Postnatal Primi Mothers

The study aimed at assessing the effect of video teaching programme on knowledge regarding breastfeeding techniques among postnatal primi mothers. Methods: A quantitative research approach with one group pretest posttest research design was adopted. The sample consisted of 60 postnatal primi mothers selected by purposive sampling. Knowledge questionnaire and was prepared to assess the knowledge which was administered by using interiew technique. Video teaching program on breastfeeding techniques was given for 30 minutes. Various aspects of breastfeeding techniques were included in this teaching program. Posttest was done after one week with the same questionnaire. Results: the mean posttest knowledge score (16.78) was significantly higher than the mean pretest knowledge (10.11) the calculated “t” value for knowledge is 18.67 was higher than the table value of 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: These results support that the video teaching program was effective in improving the knowledge of postnatal primi mothers regarding breastfeeding techniques.

Breastfeeding: Outcome on attitude among postnatal primi mothers

Breastfeeding: Outcome on attitude among postnatal primi mothers

A Study of Maternal Breast Feeding Issues during Early Postnatal Days

Background: The success in breast-feeding is dependent on early initiation and effective management of breast feeding problems during early postnatal days. Objectives: To identify breast feeding problems and their etiologies during early postnatal days until discharge from hospital. Methodology: Descriptive study done in a medical college hospital. One hundred and twenty mothers in early postnatal days were enrolled in the study. Sick mothers, sick neonates admitted in NICU for >24 hours and where breast-feeding was contraindicated were excluded. Data was collected by direct interview with the mother by the investigators and were entered in the proforma. The questionnaire contained general information of the mothers, self-reported and observed problems about breast feeding. The first interview was carried out within 12 hours of delivery after taking informed consent. Follow up interviews were done on 24 hourly basis until discharge. Data was analyzed statistically. Results: Mothers were aged between 22 to 40 years with more than half in 26-30 years range. Majority were homemakers and educated up to high school. 31(25.8%) were primi mothers. 64(53%) had vaginal and 56(47%) had caesarean deliveries. 61.6% of the mothers knew about colostrum and its benefits. Most (98.3%) of the mothers felt that there is a need for education about breast-feeding. Majority had initiated breast feeds within an hour or at least within 4 hours (LSCS mothers). Insufficiency of milk and problems with latching, positioning and sucking were some of the problems noted. Though most of the problems were resolved before discharge, few persisted until discharge. Perceived milk insufficiency, latching problems and breast problems were higher in primi and found to be statistically significant. Objective problems like poor positioning, sucking etc were higher among primi and caesarean mothers. Even problems that remained at discharge were also more among them. Conclusions: Most common problems were positioning, emphasizing the need for teaching/training. Primi and delivery by LSCS were found to have higher feeding problems emphasizing the need to focus on these high risk groups. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2020-0204-4 Full Text: PDF

Delayed onset of breastfeeding: what is stopping us?

Background: Breastfeeding is the best meal for a new born child. Various initiatives are in place for early initiation of breastfeeding. The effectiveness of these interventions is put to question when a large number of neonates fail to receive breast milk soon after birth. This study analyses the parameters likely to affect the time of onset of breastfeeding and evaluate the scope for interventions. It is important to assess the factors affecting initiation of breastfeeding, determine the relationship of these factors with the time of initiation and to analyse if counselling by health care workers has any benefit on outcome.Methods: This is a hospital based cross sectional observational study in 200 lactating mothers from a pre-designed questionnaire. Main outcome measure- early onset (<1 hour of birth) of breastfeeding.Results: Only 55% neonates included in this study were breastfed within the first 30 minutes. Positive influence for early initiation of breastfeeding was found with non primi mothers aged more than 26 years, with secondary or higher education, who had vaginal birth with institutional delivery. Early oral intake of mother with professional women living in joint family started early breastfeeding. Use of pre lacteal feeds delayed the onset of breastfeeding. Infants fed earlier were males, weight >2.2 kg. Women counselled by health care workers fed their babies earlier. Conclusions: This study surmises that pre lacteal feeds should be discouraged and active health care workers’ participation should be encouraged for early breastfeeding. Breastfeeding should be initiated as soon as possible for healthy neonatal outcome.

Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on Knowledge and Attitude RegardingBreastfeeding Practices among Primigravida Mothers in Rahe Community, Ranchi,Jharkhand

Background of the study: Breastfeeding practice is a vital part in providing essential nutrients to the infant and child by which the infant and child mortality and morbidity can be reduced. This study shows the knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding practices among the primigravida mothers. Methods and materials: Pre experimental design was adopted for this study which included pre-test and post-test design.The samples for the study were selected by non-probability sampling technique. Samples taken were 60 primigravida mothers. The knowledge and attitude of the primigravida mothers was obtained using self-structured questionnaire and attitude checklist. Pre-test was conducted by using structured questionnaire and after 7 days post-test was conducted using the same structured questionnaire for assessing the effectiveness of the planned teaching program on breastfeeding practices. Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings for this study are discussed as pre-test and post-test results. Majority of the primigravida mothers (72%) belonged to the age group 18–21 years, 81% belonged to the Hindu religion, 59% of the primi mothers had passed middle school, 56% of them were having family income between 5001–10000 INR, 56% of the mothers had non-vegetarian diet pattern and 51% of the mothers were housewives. Majority of the respondents were having poor knowledge regarding breastfeeding practices when taken pre-test, and after post-test, the respondents had adequate knowledge regarding the breastfeeding practices. Mean percentage of the knowledge score of the post-test was 18.25 which was higher than the pre-test (13.85), and the post-test attitude score was 23.56, also higher than pre-test attitude score (19.02). The‘t’ value for the total pre-test and post-test was 14.89. The correlation between the knowledge and attitude was 0.86 respectively. Conclusion: The planned teaching method was effective in providing adequate knowledge to the primigravida mothers regarding the breastfeeding practices and how essential it is to provide exclusive breastfeeding to the newborn and the child to promote healthy growth and development during the growth period. The above results concluded that the mothers in the community area have less knowledge of the breast feeding importance and techniques which leads to major problems like under nutrition, malnutrition and different others problems in a child. Keywords: Abstract, assessment, attitude, breastfeeding, knowledge, mother,primigravida

Efficacy and safety of extra amniotic insertion of Foley catheter verses intra cervical application of PGE2 gel in pre-induction cervical ripening among primi mothers at 40 weeks +5 days or beyond – a randomized controlled study

<strong>Objectives:</strong> The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety and side effects of extra amniotic insertion of Foley catheter and intra-cervical application of prostaglandin E₂ vaginal gel (PGE2) among primi mothers who were 40 weeks or beyond, as a pre induction ripening method. <strong>Method:</strong> This randomized study was conducted at Obstetrics ward, Kandy Teaching Hospital, between August 2010 to March 2011. Hundred and fourty-five mothers were randomly allocated to two groups. Age, BMI, period of gestation and, pre ripening Bishop’s score were measured as base line features to compare two groups. Group A (n=72) was ripened with prostaglandin E₂ vaginal gel (Dinoprostone 0.5 mg) and Group B (n=73) with insertion of Foley catheter (18 G and filled with 70 ml of distilled water) without tension. Primary outcome measures were spontaneous onset of labour within 24 hours and the mode of delivery. Maternal and fetal adverse effects were measured as secondary outcomes. Maternal age, period of gestation, pre induction cervical ripening Bishop's score and maternal BMI were compared as baseline characters of two groups. As measures of efficacy, spontaneous onset of labour, vaginal delivery rate and caesarean section rate were compared. Maternal and fetal adverse effects were used to compare the safety of the two methods. <strong>Results:</strong> Mean maternal ages were 27 and 28 years in group A and B respectively. Mean period of gestation was 40 weeks +5 days in both groups. Mean pre ripening Bishop’s scores in group A was 4.24 ± 0.41and 4.63 ± 0.38 for group B. BMI of group A was 26.9 ± 1.43Kg/m² and 27.2 ± Kg/m² in group B. However, a significant difference was not observed between these two groups. While mothers in group A had 30.5% spontaneous onset of labour, only 24.6% mothers went into spontaneous onset of labour (<em>p=0.78</em>) in group B. Vaginal delivery rates were 77% and 72% in group A and B respectively (<em>p=0.78</em>). Respective Caesarean section rates of group A and group B were 22.8% and 27% (<em>p=0.64</em>). Mothers who had PGE2 had significantly higher chances of experiencing side effects (44%) in compared to mothers who had Foley catheters (22%) (<em>p=0.016</em>). Mothers who had PGE2 had significantly higher rates of uterine hyper-stimulation (<em>p=0.01</em>), nausea and vomiting (<em>p=0.03</em>) and fever more than 38 C⁰ (<em>p=0.03</em>) while post-partum haemorrhage was not significant (<em>p=0.071</em>). Similar rates of meconium at ARM, fetal distress, APGAR&lt;7 at 5 min and SBU admissions were experienced by fetuses and neonates in both groups (<em>p=0.63</em>). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Insertion of Foley catheter to extra amniotic space is as effective as intra-cervical application of PGE₂ gel for pre induction cervical ripening. Due to lower maternal adverse effects, extra amniotic insertion of Foley catheter is safer than intra-cervical application of PGE₂ gel.

Effectiveness of Health Intervention on Birth Preparedness on Knowledge and Outcome of Pregnancy among Primi Antenatal Mother in Selected Hospital of Pune

Background of the Study: Birth preparedness and complication readiness is a strategy to promote the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, especially during child birth based on the theory that preparing for childbirth and being ready for complication and reduce delay in obtaining care Annual global estimate of 287,000 maternal deaths were recorded in 2010 as a result of complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Methodology: In the present study Quantitative research approach is applied approach is applied and quasi experimental pre –test post-test design is used sample all primi mother sample size 60 primi mother sampling technique non- probability convenience sampling setting the selection of study setting is on the basis of the feasibility of conducting study and availability of sample. Study will be conducted in Talera and Bhosri hospital, PCMC,Pune Results:Birth preparedness and complication since all the p-values are large (greater than 0.05), none of the demographic variables was found to have significant association with the mode of delivery Maternal complication during labor.In the present study pretest, 20% of the primi antenatal mothers had poor knowledge (Score 0-3), 66.7% of them had average knowledge (score 4-6) and 13.3% of them had good knowledge (score 7-10) regarding birth preparedness. In post-test, 5% of them had average knowledge (score 4-6) and 95% of them had good knowledge (score 7-10) regarding birth preparedness. Conclusion: In this study indicates that the knowledge of the women regarding birth preparedness improved remarkably after health intervention Researcher applied paired t-test for the effectiveness of health intervention on Knowledge of woman regarding birth preparedness among antenatal mother

The Effectiveness of Counselling on Knowledge, Acceptance and Choice for Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) among Primi mothers

Background: Post-partum contraception is the best evidence based intervention in prevention of pregnancy and abortion related maternal morbidity and mortality in the developing countries. The spacing for contraception among women in the postpartum period can be effectively fulfilled by post partum insertion of PPIUCD, in a single visit under the Government scheme of providing free maternity services during institutional delivery. Despite optimal efforts by family planning program, very few primi mothers are opting for spacing method and lack of awareness has resulted in discontinuation of family planning method particularly PPIUCD. This study is designed to PPIUCD and causes for discontinuation at follow up in our hospital. The objectives of the study were study PPIUCD practices at Talera hospital and Akurdi hospital, Pune; causes for discontinuation of PPIUCD. Research Methodology: Research Approach: Quantitative approach, Research design-Quasi experimental design one group Pre-test Post-test design, Population–primi mothers, Sample–The sample of the study comprised of Primi mothers, Sample size: 60 primi mothers, Sampling technique: Simple Random Sampling Technique was used. Setting: the selection of the study setting is on the basis of the feasibility of conducting study and availability of sample. Study will be conducted in Talera Hospital and Bhosri Hospital, PCMC, Pune. Result: In pre-test, majority of 91.7% of the primi mothers had poor knowledge and 8.3% of them had average knowledge regarding PPIUCD. In post-test, majority of 86.7.7% of the primi mothers had average knowledge and 13.3% of them had poor knowledge regarding PPIUCD. This indicates that the knowledge among primi mothers regarding PPIUCD improved remarkably after individual counselling. Researcher applied paired t-test for effectiveness of individual counselling on knowledge among primi mothers regarding PPIUCD. Average knowledge score in pre-test was 8.4 which increased to 11.9 in post test. t-value for this test was 12.2 with 59 degrees of freedom. Corresponding p-value was small (less than 0.05), the null hypothesis is rejected. This is evident that the knowledge among primi mothers regarding PPIUCD improved significantly after individual counselling.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Immunization among Primi Mothers of Children

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude And Practice On Immunization Among Primi Mothers of ChildrenIn Poonchery Village, KanchipuramDist, Tamilnadu, India. The Objectives of the study were to assessthe existing level of knowledge, attitude and practice on immunization among primi mothers of childrenand to find out the association between the level of knowledge, attitude and practice on immunizationand the selected demographic variables of primi mothers of children. The sampling technique was Nonprobability Snowball-Sampling technique with 169 samples of primi mothers. There was no significantassociation between the selected demographic variables. The data collection for the main study was done.The collected data was tabulated and analyzed descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The showsthat primi mothers 73.3% had adequate knowledge, 14.7% had moderate knowledge, and 11.8% inadequateknowledge regarding immunization among primi mothers of children. Majority of primi mothers 92.9%had positive attitude, 7.1% had undecided attitude and no negative attitude regarding immunization amongprimi mothers of children. Majority of primi mothers 91.7% had desirable practice and 8.3% had undesirablepractice regarding immunization among primi mothers of children.

Rare manifestations of Potter Sequence: A Case Report

Potter sequence is a rare congenital malformation that primarily affects male fetuses and is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal malformation, and kidney abnormalities. The pressure of the uterine wall due to oligohydramnios leads to an unusual facial appearance, abnormal limbsor limbs in abnormal positions or contractures. The fetus generally dies soon after birth due to respiratory insufficiency. We presented a male baby of 35 wks gestation with birth weight 1200gms delivered by primi mother. She had severe oligohydramnios and virtually there was no liquor during birth. The baby had severe perinatal depression at birth requiring resuscitation. Multiple congenital anomalies like absence of left eye, congenital cataract on the right eye, right-sided choanal atresia, micrognathia, low set ears, beaked nose, bilateral clubbed foot with hip deformity were noted. After 2 hours of life,baby developed fast breathing and cyanosis and died due to respiratory failure.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice of The Primi Mothers Related to Breast-Feeding in Post Natal Ward in Selected Tertiary Care Hospital.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice of The Primi Mothers Related to Breast-Feeding in Post Natal Ward in Selected Tertiary Care Hospital.

Pregnancy with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus– An Enigma- A Case Report

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common autoimmune disorders that affect women during their childbearing years. Lupus exacerbation during pregnancy occurs in about 20-30% of pregnant lupus patients. SLE increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, intrauterine death, preeclampsia, FGR and preterm birth. Case Report: A 23 year old Primi mother with 6 months of amenorrhea reported with complains of skin and oral lesions and breathlessness since 20 days. She was hemodynamically stable, had a malar rash, macular skin lesions and generalized edema. Systemic examination showed hepatomegaly with ascites and pleurisy signs. Urine microscopy showed 15 to 20 pus cells/HPF. Echo cardiograph showed pericardial effusion. A provisional diagnosis of Pregnancy with SLE was made. Antinuclear antibody and Anti smith Ab was positive. She was started on oral steroids and HCQS. One month later the patient presented with maculopapular lesions all over the body. There was a history of discontinuation of drugs for a short duration. The dermatologist opined it as ROWELL syndrome. The obstetric evaluation showed SIUG of 33 weeks with anhydromnios with Doppler changes with steroid prophylaxis, Emergency LSCS was done. A live female baby of weight 2.7 kg was extracted and was shifted to NICU for preterm care. Post-operative period was uneventful except for full-thickness gaping of LSCS wound. Both mother and baby were discharged after 2wks. Conclusion: Pregnancy with SLE is a tricky medical challenge needing multidisciplinary approach and intensive care. Advancing technology and a better understanding of the disease have improved outcomes in lupus pregnancies.

Knowledge regarding weaning practices among primi mothers in selected community areas, Bangalore

Knowledge regarding weaning practices among primi mothers in selected community areas, Bangalore

Efficacy of Technology Basded Method to Improve Knowledge on Health Promoting Behaviour towards Maternal Hypothyroidism among Primi Mothers with Hypothyroidism

Background: Maternal hypothyroidism, in simple terms, refers to low thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy. The diagnosis is made by a TSH that is greater than normal, and this situation deserves therapy. Many studies have shown that maternal thyroid hormones are very important in pregnancy. Most importantly, emerging data seems to suggest that thyroid hormones are especially important for fetal brain development, especially during early pregnancy2. Pregnancy has a profound impact on the thyroid gland and thyroid function. The gland increases 10% in size during pregnancy in iodine-replete countries and by 20%-40% in areas of iodine deficiency. Production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) increases by 50%, along with a 50% increase in the daily iodine requirement. These physiological changes may result in hypothyroidism in the later stages of pregnancy in iodine-deficient women who were euthyroid in the first trimester. The range of thyrotropin (TSH), under the impact of placental human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is decreased throughout pregnancy with the lower normal TSH level in the first trimester being poorly defined and an upper limit of 2.5 mIU/L. Aim of the Study: To determine teaching primigravida mothers with hypothyroidism on health promoting behaviors towards maternal hypothyroidism has efficacy in improving their knowledge. Method: Evaluative with Quasi experimental study one group pre and post-test design and Simple random sampling technique were adapted for this study. The knowledge questionnaire regarding health promoting behaviour towards maternal hypothyroidism was distributed among 60 primigravida mothers with hypothyroidism followed by the session of technology based education on health promoting behaviour regarding maternal hypothyroidism was given to the primigravida mothers. The data were analysed by using descriptive, inferential statistical method. Result: In pre-test the mean score of knowledge level is 9.45 and the SD is 3.13. In the post test the mean score of knowledge level is 20.06 and the SD is 11.40, which shows that the technology based education on health promoting behaviour of maternal hypothyroidism is highly significant in improving knowledge. Background: Maternal hypothyroidism, in simple terms, refers to low thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy. The diagnosis is made by a TSH that is greater than normal, and this situation deserves therapy. Many studies have shown that maternal thyroid hormones are very important in pregnancy1. Most importantly, emerging data seems to suggest that thyroid hormones are especially important for fetal brain development, especially during early pregnancy2. Pregnancy has a profound impact on the thyroid gland and thyroid function. The gland increases 10% in size during pregnancy in iodine-replete countries and by 20%–40% in areas of iodine deficiency. Production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) increases by 50%, along with a 50% increase in the daily iodine requirement. These physiological changes may result in hypothyroidism in the later stages of pregnancy in iodine-deficient women who were euthyroid in the first trimester3. The range of thyrotropin (TSH), under the impact of placental human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is decreased throughout pregnancy with the lower normal TSH level in the first trimester being poorly defined and an upper limit of 2.5 mIU/L4,2. Aim of the study: To determine teaching primigravida mothers with hypothyroidism on health promoting behaviors towards maternal hypothyroidism has efficacy in improving their knowledge. Method: Evaluative with Quasi experimental study one group pre and post-test design and Simple random sampling technique were adapted for this study. The knowledge questionnaire regarding health promoting behaviour towards maternal hypothyroidism was distributed among 60 primigravida mothers with hypothyroidism followed by the session of technology based education on health promoting behaviour regarding maternal hypothyroidism was given to the primigravida mothers. The data were analysed by using descriptive, inferential statistical method. Result: In pre-test the mean score of knowledge level is 9.45 and the SD is 3.13. In the post test the mean score of knowledge level is 20.06 and the SD is 11.40, which shows that the technology based education on health promoting behaviour of maternal hypothyroidism is highly significant in improving knowledge.

Antenatel care among Primi mothers

Antenatel care among Primi mothers

Evaluation of utilization of postnatal care services among women of Urban Slums in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Ensuring appropriate postnatal care (PNC) is critical to safeguard maternal and newborn health. The timing of PNC is also crucial to the well-being of the mother and baby. PNC coverage is in a decreasing trend in comparison to other maternal and infant health services. Although there is provision of PNC services, women are not utilizing them effectively. Objectives: (1) To estimate the utilization rate of PNC services among postnatal women (PNW) in urban slums of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. (2) To analyze the factors influencing the utilization of PNC services among PNW. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study among 205 PNW in urban slums of Rajahmundry. Results: The utilization rate of PNC package was 82%. About 71% of the women were in the age group of 21–25 years, 46% were Hindus, 66% had completed high school, and 59% belonged to lower class of socioeconomic status (SES). The utilization rates of PNC services were significantly higher among primi mothers (82%), literates (99%), among women from lower socioeconomic class, and among PNW who resided in joint families. Conclusion: The utilization of PNC services was very good, which was influenced by the level of literacy, SES, and parity of the women. Policy makers must emphasize health teaching about postpartum care into the health system at every level of care including primary, secondary, and tertiary involving health personnel at every level, in order to reach complete utilization of PNC services.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Primi Mothers Admitted in Maternity Hospital at Puducherry

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Primi Mothers Admitted in Maternity Hospital at Puducherry