A study of antenatal care at village level in rural Tanzania

Antenatal care is an acknowledged measure for the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality. In the rural village of Ilula, Tanzania, the possible impact of antenatal care on mortality was studied longitudinally on the basis of the 707 women delivered in the study period. Ninety-five percent of the antenatal records were available. Anemia, malaria and anticipated obstetric problems were the most frequent reasons for interventions. Among the women from the area who were delivered in hospital, 90% had been referred there. No relationship was found between the number of antenatal visits and the pregnancy outcome, but perinatal mortality was correlated to a low birth weight. Even with a mean attendance rate of six visits and full coverage by antenatal care maternal and perinatal mortality remains high.