Insights into the Importance of Regular Antenatal Care Visits for Improving Delivery Outcomes in Pregnant Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Charity Nneka John-Emaimo; Alice John Emaimo; Ikemesit Udeme Peter

Charity Nneka John-Emaimo Department of Public Health, Faculty of Healthcare Services, Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9472-9100
Alice John Emaimo Department of Foreign Languages, Institute of Medicine RUDN, Peoples Friendship University of Russia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6762-6599
Ikemesit Udeme Peter Department of Public Health, Faculty of Healthcare Services, Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9890-8786

Keywords: antenatal care visit, delivery outcome, pregnant women, preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Regular antenatal care (ANC) visits are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare during pregnancy, enabling early detection and management of complications, health education, and promotion of healthy behaviors. Despite global healthcare advancements, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain unacceptably high in many regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like The Gambia. This study examines the impact of regular ANC visits on maternal health outcomes at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 200 antenatal medical records of women who delivered in the hospital’s obstetric unit, assessing their antenatal care visit and delivery outcomes. Results: Nearly all pregnant women (98.5%) attended ANC, with 44% making 3-4 visits, 35.5% making 5-6 visits, and 10.5% completing 7-8 visits. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and preeclampsia were most prevalent among women with 1-4 ANC visits (PPH: 5.6%-2.3%; preeclampsia: 11.1%-4.5%) but absent in those with 5-8 visits. Younger women (18-25 years) and those without formal education had higher PPH rates (66.7%) compared to older (26-40 years: 33.3%) and more educated women (tertiary-educated: 0%). Conclusion: Regular ANC attendance (7-8 visits) was associated with better delivery outcomes with no risk of pregnancy related complications like preeclampsia and preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage. Improving antenatal care visits requires a focus on improving women's health literacy, fostering shared clinical decision-making, and ensuring patient-centered follow-up. Strengthening health systems through better data monitoring, upgraded facilities, and improved healthcare worker training is critical for delivering equitable, high-quality maternal care. Policymakers must prioritize locally adapted, evidence-based interventions to advance maternal health services in The Gambia.

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