Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Antenatal Care Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Antenatal care is essential for maternal and fetal health because it supports early risk identification, counselling, supplementation, immunization, routine investigations, and timely referral. Knowledge regarding antenatal care helps pregnant women attend scheduled visits, recognize danger signs, and adopt safe pregnancy practices. Objective: To assess knowledge regarding antenatal care among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal clinic of a tertiary care hospital from January to June 2025. A total of 120 pregnant women were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, obstetric profile, antenatal care practices, and knowledge regarding ANC components. Knowledge scores were categorized as poor, moderate, or good. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.8 ± 5.2 years, and the mean gestational age was 24.6 ± 8.1 weeks. The overall mean knowledge score was 13.4 ± 3.4 out of 20. Good knowledge was observed in 39 participants (32.5%), moderate knowledge in 57 (47.5%), and poor knowledge in 24 (20.0%). Higher education, urban residence, booked ANC status, and prior ANC counselling were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. In multivariable analysis, intermediate/graduate education, booked ANC status, and prior ANC counselling were independent predictors of good ANC knowledge. Conclusion: Most pregnant women had moderate knowledge regarding antenatal care, but important gaps remained in early booking, recommended ANC contacts, danger signs, and birth preparedness. Structured counselling during routine ANC visits may improve maternal awareness and promote safer pregnancy outcomes.