Perceptions of pregnant women on antenatal care visit during their first trimester at area 25 health center in Lilongwe, Malawi - a qualitative study.

Background: Initiation of antenatal care during the first trimester is crucial for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, only 24% of pregnant women in Malawi initiate antenatal care during this time with even lower rates of 15% at Area 25 Health Centre in Lilongwe. Despite such cases, there is little literature on obstacles that prevent women from accessing first-trimester antenatal care in Malawi.

Herbal medicine use during pregnancy and childbirth: perceptions of women living in Lilongwe rural, Malawi - a qualitative study.

Background: Globally, use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is often associated with adverse obstetric outcomes such as uterine rupture and fetal distress. However, in rural Malawi, information on the perceptions of women about the use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is underreported despite the practice. Understanding women's views and perceptions on use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is therefore critical for understanding the basis of their practice and for setting up maternal and neonatal health care interventions to alleviate any possible pregnancy and labour complications.