Conducted by BIPSU
, Started on 2014 -
Completed on 2015
Completed
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A healthy pregnancy and childbirth begins from a regular prenatal care and postnatal care.
In recent years, several health practices during pregnancy and childbirth are recommended
by Department of Health to ensure the welfare of the mother and baby. However, some of
these practices are not followed correctly by pregnant mothers resulting to complications or
unhealthy newborn. The study was conducted to identify the gaps in prenatal, intrapartal and
postnatal health practices among obstetric patients admitted in a provincial hospital. The
data were gathered using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews to complement the findings
of the survey. Results showed that during prenatal period of the respondents, mostly complied
with the recommended number of prenatal check-ups, tetanus toxoid immunization, intake of
vitamin A. However, most of the respondents failed to take Iron supplements, proper diet and
exercise and have an ultrasound during the time of pregnancy. Moreover, results revealed that
a number of respondents still sought help from “hilots” to ensure healthy pregnancy. As to
intrapartal period or during the onset of labor, majority of the respondents performed perineal
shaving, took a bath and drunk extra glasses of water except with the intake of food. As
to the postnatal health practices of the respondents, perineal care, breastfeeding, promotion
of adequate rest, drinking of extra fluids, eating of nutritious foods, pain management, and
compliance to postnatal visits were apparent. However, performance of perineal exercise has
the lowest percentage or frequency. The results of the study highlight the need to conduct
information dissemination to increase the compliance of all the recommended prenatal,
intrapartal and postnatal health care practices among pregnant mothers.