A community-based study on obstetric danger signs among pregnant women of Sivagangai district

Abstract

Background

Every pregnant woman faces the risk of pregnancy related morbidities. It Is

better that pregnant women are aware of the pregnancy related symptoms

and warning signs. Early intervention or referral to obstetric care facility can

be made only if the pregnant woman has adequate knowledge in identifying

danger signs. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of obstetric danger

signs among pregnant women.

Methods

Community based cross sectional study was conducted from March 2019 to

august 2019. 280 pregnant women were interviewed face to face using semi

structured questionnaire.

Results

Only 86(30.7%) respondents were aware of at least more than four danger signs during antenatal period. Only

7.1% of the study participants were aware of the danger signs during post-partum. Maternal age,

socioeconomic scale and parity had significant association with knowledge of obstetric danger signs.

Conclusion

Mother’s awareness on danger signs of pregnancy was poor during both antenatal and postpartum period.

There is probably a need to enhance the health education sessions to all pregnant women irrespective of their

demographic characteristics.