Awareness of Antenatal Care Importance among Saudi Pregnant Women in Madina

Abstract

Introduction:Antenatal Care is care before birth and includes education, screening, counseling, treatment, monitoring and promoting the well-being of the mother and fetus. Its importance cannot be overstated for both. Objective: To assess the awareness of antenatal care importance among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Madina, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried on (1617) women who attended Maternity and Children's Hospital and National Guard Hospital in Madina during the period from August to September 2016. The data were collected through face to face interview and use of questionnaire format. Results: A total of 1617 women were selected in the study, 74.7% of the participant's ages were between 20-34 years old. Most of them had a university degree with percentage of 40%. 80.9% started following up at first or second trimester and 80.1% were following up their pregnancies consistently and regularly. 89.7% believed in the importance of antenatal care visits. 89% believed that the use complementary supplements during pregnancy can prevent some problems. Conclusion: The education has been a great role in the interest of mothers in Antenatal care. Most of women have no diseases, and they believe that the use of complementary grain during pregnancy reduces the incidence of some of the problems related to pregnancy. More than half of women have a good awareness about knowledge of the importance of the first visit and the importance of continued follow-up in the same place.