Health education needs of primigravidae

Forty-eight primigravidae were interviewed when 3-4 months pregnant about their knowledge of fetal development, awareness of hazards to development and sources of information. Although there was reasonable knowledge about normal fetal development, the women were not generally aware of the repercussions of maternal rubella or rationale for many routine tests at antenatal clinics. Fourteen of the women were smoking and only four of these intended to change during pregnancy. The general practitioner was perceived as a vital source of information, in marked contrast to the midwife. Few women reported learning about child development or care at school, but most used pamphlets or books as a source of information.