Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of Bankura District, West Bengal.

BACKGROUND: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is the process of planning for normal birth and anticipating the actions needed in case of an emergency which is critical in averting maternal morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES: To find out awareness and practices regarding BPCR among pregnant and recently delivered women in Bankura, West Bengal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out among 120 pregnant women and 235 recently delivered women. Information on sociodemographic variables as well as awareness and practices regarding BPCR were collected through semi-structured interview. For statistical analysis Z-test was used.

RESULTS: The majority of respondents (69.3%) had registered for antenatal care within the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy and 74.0% of the recently delivered women had four or more antenatal check-ups and 81.3% had institutional delivery. The BPCR index of pregnant women and recently delivered women was 45.2 and 59.0, respectively, whereas BPCR index of the total was 52.1.

CONCLUSION: Although the BPCR indicators are satisfying, the health system should use the opportunity during visits to health institutions to increase awareness among the pregnant women and her family on how to plan for the pregnancy and identify danger signs.