Maternal Health, Antenatal Care Utilization and Neonatal Outcomes in Rural Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat: A Community-Based Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Antenatal, intranatal and postnatal services are central to preventing avoidable maternal and neonatal morbidity. Their value is particularly important in rural communities, where education, household resources, distance and perceived need may influence service use.

Aim and objectives: This study assessed maternal characteristics, use of maternal health services and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women registered at Anganwadi centres in rural Waghodia, Vadodara, and examined relationships between maternal factors and newborn outcomes.

Materials and methods: A community-based observational study with retrospective and prospective components was conducted from March to December 2017. All 122 eligible pregnant women registered at seven Anganwadi centres were enrolled after ethical approval and informed consent. Participants were followed through pregnancy, delivery and the first 28 days of neonatal life. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and associations were examined with the chi-square test.

Results: Most women received at least four antenatal visits, while anaemia and excess weight were common. Of 121 recorded birth outcomes, 83 newborns had normal birth weight and 38 had low birth weight. Breastfeeding within one hour was reported for approximately half of the newborns. Low birth weight was more frequent among preterm and post-term newborns, and low birth weight was associated with greater reported neonatal infection and diarrhoea.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates strong contact with antenatal services but continuing gaps in nutritional health, timely breastfeeding and newborn risk prevention. Preconception counselling, focused anaemia and weight management, early breastfeeding support and closer follow-up of small or preterm newborns should be strengthened in rural programmes