Knowledge, attitude and awareness of antinatal and maternity health care service among women of child bearing age

Knowledge, attitude and awareness of antinatal and maternity health care service among women of child bearing age

Introduction

Antenatal care is the clinical assessment of mother and fetus, during the period of pregnancy used for getting the best possible result for the mother and child. Early observation and ongoing care during pregnancy provided more favorable births compared to no prenatal observation. It is a key entry point for pregnant women to receive multiple range of health services such as nutritional maintenance, prevention or treatment of anemia, prevention, detection and treatment of malaria, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections. (Berhe et al., 2014) Every year about 6 million women become pregnant; 5 million of these pregnancies lead to the birth of the child. An adequate use of antenatal health services is associated with improved maternal and neonatal health status. Pregnancy care expected to affect the development of the fetus and the baby as well as the mother. Early booking and regular visitation of antenatal care can only achieve this. (WHO, 2007).

Maternal health services have a potentially critical role in the improvement of reproductive health. The use of health service related to availability, quality and cost of services as well as the social structures, health beliefs and personal characteristics of the users. Over half a million women die each year from complications of pregnancy or childbirth. Most maternal deaths occur during childbirth and the presence of trained medical staff could greatly reduce this number. (UNICEF, 2008). Antenatal Care is an opportunity to promote the benefits of skilled attendance at birth and to encourage women to seek postpartum care for themselves and their newborn. It is also an ideal time to counsel women about the benefits of child spacing. (Reynolds, Wong et al. 2014). The ANC provides an estimate of essential health issues, including health promotion, disease prevention, screening, and diagnosis. All struggles commenced to preserve the physical and mental well-being of the mothers, to prevent premature labor, to predict difficulties and complications at birth. Ensures decrease number of maternal mortality and morbidity (Organization, 2016).

Knowledge of pregnant mothers may be major factor in determining the extent of antenatal services use. Reports from various parts of the world have shown that increased levels of pregnant mothers in terms of antenatal care have an impact on their utilization.(Okafor, 2016). Attitude refers to the affective feelings of the expectant mother who like and dislike prenatal services. Thus, the personal experience of pregnant women in prenatal services can be positive or negative. (Onasoga, Afolayan et al. 2012) Reason experienced in the developing countries is almost parallel such as hemorrhage, followed by eclampsia, infections, abortion complications and disabilities. (Igbokwe, 2012)