Pregnant women’s perceptions and understanding of the barriers to early antenatal care booking in the Shiselweni region in Swaziland

Abstract

Globally, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) dropped by 44%, from 342 deaths per 100 000 to 211 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017. Developing countries have reached two-thirds coverage (69 %) of the recommended focused visits and first ANC. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, approximately 66% (201,000) of deaths occur during birth. MMR can be reduced if pregnant women initiate ANC early enough and receive quality care. In Swaziland, only 14% of pregnant women make their first ANC visit during the first trimester, 64% during the 2nd trimester and 22% during the 3rd trimester. The study aimed to explore pregnant women's perceptions of the factors contributing to late ANC booking in the Shiselweni Region.