Antenatal care, care-seeking and morbidity in rural Karnataka India: Results of a prospective study

Abstract

Results from this prospective study of 282 pregnant women from 11 villages in Karnataka, India showed early and widespread use of antenatal care, but the content of the care falls far short of that recommended following the recent World Health Organization (WHO) antenatal care trial. Initiation of contact is commendably early, but only women with problems reported an adequate frequency of contact. Morbidity in pregnancy is widespread and care-seeking for problems is also common, mostly from private practitioners. Iron and folate supplement distribution and tetanus toxoid immunization are well covered. However, history-taking and effective record-keeping by doctors is inadequate, the current level of delivery planning is minimal and very little advice is given to women about aspects of health care during their pregnancy. The potential for improved health promotion is immense