Utilization of ante natal care services and it′s determinants by women admitted in a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata

Background: Poor access and utilisation of antenatal services contribute to high Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) along with other socioeconomic factors. Objectives: To evaluates the utiliation of ante natal care (ANC) services and it's determinants among full term pregnant women and recently delivered women. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 380 full-term ante natal women and recently delivered women (RDW) admitted in obstetric ward of a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata between February 2014 to July. 2014 using a predesigned pretested schedule. Results: About 47.11% of the study population were between the age of 20-30 years; 68.95% were Hindu; 55.53% belonged to nuclear family; 60.53% were from rural area; 53.42% were multipara; 89.47% were literate; 63.95% were homemakers; 28.95% belonged to class III. Cent percent registered for ANC); 91.05% took three ANC visits; 65.26% registered during the first trimester; weight and blood pressure was measured in 99.74% and 98.95% respectively; 99.2% had an abdominal examination; 100% received Tetanus Toxoid (TTTT); 43.96% consumed 100 Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets; 97.63% had blood test for Haemoglobin and blood typing; 92.11% had blood test for VDRL; 100% had an urine examination for albumin. All of the subjects was advised about diet and immunisation; 97.89% for rest/sleep; 82.89% for physical activity; 27.89% for personal cleanliness; 27.37% for family planning; 49.21% for breastfeeding and newborn care and 66.05% for warning signs. When comparison between women who went for at least four ANC visits and who did not significant difference was observed in terms of age, educational level, socio-economic status (SES), timing of registration and parity. Conclusion: At this stage of pregnancy, women are usually more receptive to their advices. This opportunity may be utilised today for the sake of a better maternal health tomorrow.