A study of antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care of mothers in index pregnancy

Background: Most newborn deaths are preventable by improving quality of care during antenatal period and at delivery. Optimum maternal healthcare utilization, such as antenatal care (ANC) visits, skilled birth attendants or intranatal care, and postnatal care (PNC) services are associated with maternal health outcomes. Objectives: To study antenatal, intranatal, and PNC of mothers in index pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among mothers of 360 neonates. Study was conducted in three government Sick newborn care units (SNCUs) of Lucknow district, which were randomly selected. The schedule was pretested on 10% of the total sample of mothers of neonates admitted to SNCU in Lok Bandhu Shri Raj Narayan Combined Hospital, Lucknow, to see for the accuracy of responses and to estimate the time needed. Three days a week were selected randomly for data collection. These 3 days were randomly allocated to collect data from three different SNCUs. One day was dedicated to collect data from one SNCU. Results: 95.8% mothers had at least one ANC checkup during index pregnancy. Majority (62%) of the mothers had more than 4 ANC visits during index pregnancy. Majority (69%) of mothers had their first ANC checkup in 1st trimester, 25.8% in 2nd trimester, only 5.2% had their first ANC checkup in 3rd trimester. Only 28.3% mothers received counseling on newborn care during index pregnancy. Majority (92.5%) of the deliveries were attended by doctor. It was seen that 72.8% mothers got counseling on newborn care in postnatal period. Conclusion: Extra efforts are needed to sensitize ASHA to counsel women regarding early registration, birth preparedness, adequate ANC, safe delivery, PNC, immunization of children etc and to mobilize the community and facilitate them in accessing these services.