Status of antenatal care practices and place of delivery in a rural community

Abstract

To understand antenatal care practices among pregnant women in a rural community of Karnataka. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study wherein 236 mothers were interviewed regarding their antenatal care practices and place of delivery within 2 weeks following the delivery. RESULTS: Majority of the mothers in this study area were in the age group of 21-25 years (67.8%), 32.2% mothers were illiterate. 14.4% mothers lived in nuclear families. 58.9% mothers had registered their pregnancy while only 16.6% of them had more than 3 ANC check-ups. 58.3% mothers had received 2 doses of TT injection and 15.8% mothers had not consumed IFA tablets. 59.7% mothers delivered in Government hospital, while 19.5% delivered at home. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy is a time of great hope and joyful anticipation. The health of the mother is of utmost importance during this time because a healthy mother will give birth to a healthy baby. In this study it was noticed that many women did not avail antenatal services and preferred to deliver at home. IEC activities should be enhanced in order to change the mindset of these people.