Knowing the form

This study set out to discover if midwives need to complete the antenatal record form (ANR) in its entirety, or if women could complete part of the form themselves. The study involved 33 pregnant women and eight midwives. Questionnaires were used for both the women and the midwives. In addition, a structured interview was employed for the participating women. These methods gave both qualitative and quantitative data. Thirty women (94%) completed the selected parts of the ANR form, either mostly or in full. Twenty-four women (67%) stated that they had completed this form by themselves. Midwives completed a questionnaire for each woman they booked. For 21 cases (62%) midwives found it useful when the woman completed part of the ANR form. Offering women the opportunity to complete part of the ANR form was considered to be advantageous by 19 (57%) mothers participating in the study. The conclusion is that midwives do not always need to complete the antenatal record form in its entirety.