Role of antenatal care in reducing maternal mortality

Maternal mortality in the developed nations has been considerably reduced, but it still is very high in developing nations. I carried out an indepth study of maternal mortality at N. Wadia Maternity Hospital, Bombay. India, from 1929 to 1988, which revealed that the MMR which was 1920 per 100,000 live births during 1929-1939 period has declined to 82 per 100,000 live births during 1980-1988 period. This achievement in reduction of maternal mortality over the decades was due to multiple factors like increased and effective antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care. This study shows the apathy of pregnant women to come forward to avail of antenatal care though available even free of charge nearby. To give maximum benefits to pregnant women specially in the developing nations, we have to carry the antenatal care at the door-steps of the community.