Factors associated with late booking for antenatal care in central Manchester

A cohort study was carried out to examine the factors associated with late booking amongst the resident population of Central Manchester Health Authority. The factors of importance were found to include teenage pregnancy, unemployment in the household, ethnic origin, moving during pregnancy, geographical area of residence and opinions about the value of antenatal care. Some reasons for delay in consulting doctors were identified, including uncertainty about the pregnancy and in some cases because it was unwelcome. Delays were also noted to occur in the health service referral system.