Proportion of Pregnant Women who achieve Timely Initiation of Antenatal Care at Embu County Referral Hospital in Kenya

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The WHO guidelines of 2016 recommend that all pregnant mothers increase the number of contacts with their healthcare providers, from a minimum of four visits to eight contacts during their pregnancy duration. Unfortunately, globally only 64% of pregnant women receive these services for at least four or more visits throughout their pregnancy. Early initiation of antenatal care is vital for the early diagnosis of pregnancy dangers and establishment of preventive and promotive health as well as management of disorders, and necessary referrals. The aim of the study was therefore to understand the proportion of pregnant mothers that achieve timely initiation of ANC among the pregnant mothers attending ANC at Embu Level 5 Hospital.