Publication

Abstract : Background: An antenatal investigation has now literally entered in the domain of prenatal care. Early antenatal investigations help to identify many sorts of medical and infectious diseases during pregnancy and initiate treatment for safeguarding the health of mother and fetus. Many antenatal mothers undergo antenatal investigations without adequate understanding. Objectives: To identify awareness regarding antenatal investigations among antenatal mothers and to prepare an information booklet on antenatal investigations. Materials and methods: It is a descriptive study conducted among 180 antenatal mothers attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Department in Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) at Kochi. The subjects were selected using quota sampling technique. The trimester was selected as the quota. Sixty women each were selected from first, second and third trimesters. Data were collected using semistructured knowledge questionnaire developed by the investigator. Results: The mean score of antenatal investigations was 8.96 ± 6.33 with maximum score 19. Among 180 subjects, 61% of antenatal mothers had poor level of awareness regarding antenatal investigations, 63% were belong to first trimester and 64% were primigravida. Interpretation and conclusion: The study concluded that the level of awareness among antenatal mothers was poor. It is very essential to organize an awareness program to increase the uptake of antenatal investigations.