Knowledge and practices regarding antenatal care among pregnant females visiting antenatal clinic at tertiary care hospital in Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: Antenatal care is an effective tool to reduce both infant and maternal mortality rates. So present study was carried out, to assess the knowledge and practices regarding antenatal care among the pregnant females.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Lady Hardinge Medical College Delhi with sample of 500 pregnant women using pretested questionnaire.Results: In our study 58% had knowledge about tetanus toxoid immunization, 13.8% were aware of HIV screening, majority preferred hospital 87.2% as place of delivery, 62.4% visited ANC clinic for fetal reasons, 81.4% had no knowledge about danger signs of pregnancy.Conclusion: Community awareness should be created to improve antenatal care. Proper utilization of antenatal care reduces both maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.