A Study among Pregnant Women Regarding Danger Sign of Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy related complications are among the greatest killers of women of reproductive age in developing countries. Many pregnant women may face the risk of sudden, unpredictable complications that could end in death or injury to herself or to her baby. To assess the level of awareness on danger signs, complications, pattern of antenatal care of 300 women of greater than 34 weeks of gestation were interviewed in Dhaka city. Majority of them were found between age range of 20 to 25 years (46.33%) but about 9% was around the age of 14 to 19 years which is very risky for pregnancy. Moreover most of them were housewives and about 85.33% have an educational level of primary or above. About 99.33% respondent knew about warning signs from which water break (97.67%), severe nausea and vomiting (87.67%), vaginal bleeding (85%) were prominent ones and they were informed about at least one abortifacient food. Majority of the respondents got information from their doctor during their current pregnancy (74%). A great portion of women were taken antenatal care and they were provided mostly the information of diet and nutrition as well as how to care the baby. Although most of the women were conscious about danger signs of pregnancy, the rate of consulting with doctor before pregnancy was very poor (20%). In fact most of them were unaware about rubella virus vaccination. However, majority of the pregnant women (76.66%) developed obstetric complications, but growth of the baby (86.33%) were not affected much by these complications. To prevent the pregnancy complications it should be brought down the rate of early age marriage. To increase awareness regarding warning signs of pregnancy educational level and frequency of antenatal care should be encouraged by the health care authority.