Effect of Frequency of Antenatal Care Contacts on Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Low-Risk Pregnancies at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Nigeria.

Background: The frequency of antenatal care (ANC) contacts for low-risk pregnancies has been a subject of debate.

Objective: To determine the effect of frequency of ANC contacts on pregnancy outcomes amongst low-risk pregnancies and the reasons for the low antenatal visits at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 510 low-risk pregnant women. They were divided into two groups; group I consisted of 255 women that had eight or more ANC contacts with at least five contacts in 3rd trimester, and group II consisted of 255 women that had seven or fewer ANC visits. Socio-demographic characteristics, haemoglobin levels at delivery, mode of delivery, maternal satisfaction, and birth outcomes were compared between the two groups. Reasons for the low antenatal visits were also documented.

Results: The prevalence of anemia was higher in group II compared to group I {29.4% versus 18.8% with OR 1.80 (95% CI 1.19-2.72)} while caesarean section rate was higher in group I compared to group II {16.9% versus 9.4% with OR=1.96 (95% CI: 1.11-3.48)}. There was no statistically significant difference in the fetal outcome between the two groups. Women with eight or more ANC contact were more satisfied with the ANC than those with fewer visits (OR=2.20, 95%CI 1.52-6.24). Late booking and facility-based lapses were mainly responsible for the fewer contacts.

Conclusion: Having eight or more ANC contacts is associated with decreased maternal anaemia, better maternal satisfaction, and increased risk of caesarean delivery compared to women that have fewer ANC contacts.