Critical Role of Antental Care in Improving Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To determine the essential role of antenatal care in enhancing perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes in a Women Attending Obgyn OPD, in Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Study Design and Setting: Descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out in the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Methodology: Six months study conducted from 9th May 2021 to 9th November 2021. A total of 107 women presenting with age between 20 to 45 years, primiparous, with single gestation, any antenatal visits were enrolled. Data was collected and statistically analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results: Among 107 women, the average age was 27 years ±5.74. Sixty-five (61%) women had =4 antenatal visits, Moreover, 7(7%) babies had fetal distress, 11(10%) babies were admitted to NICU, 6(6%) babies had early neonatal death, 4(4%) babies had low birth weight, 13(12%) babies had pre term birth. perinatal outcomes have no significant difference with antenatal visits as still birth (P=0.366), fetal distress (P=0.549), admitted to NICU (P value = 3903), early neonatal death (P value = 759), low birth-weight (P=0.551), pre-term delivery (P=0.202). Conclusion: This research highlights the critical role of Antenatal Care (ANC) in reducing adverse perinatal outcomes, aligning with established evidence. ANC enables early identification and management of pregnancy complications, promotes healthy behaviors, and ensures timely interventions.