Trends in Antenatal Care Engagement among Women in Bangladesh

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) engagement is essential for ensuring healthy pregnancy outcomes by providing timely medical interventions and education to expectant mothers. In Bangladesh, various factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthcare services significantly influence antenatal care (ANC) utilization. This study aimed to explore the trends in antenatal care engagement among women in Bangladesh. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study took place over six months at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. During this period, 100 women admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward for delivery were purposively selected as participants. Thorough clinical examinations and pertinent investigations were conducted. Data analysis was performed using MS Office tools. Results: In Bangladesh, educated women are more likely to have regular antenatal care (ANC) and make at least four visits. Women over 25 years old tend to attend ANC less frequently, whereas regular attendance is seen in 91.1% of women aged 20-25. Primiparous women had a higher ANC attendance rate at 95.7%, but women with higher parity (≥4) also showed an increased usage of ANC services at 71.4%. Cesarean sections were more prevalent in rural areas at 56.4% compared to 71.0% in urban areas. Regarding neonatal outcomes, 15% of babies were born with low birth weight, and prematurity was observed in 15% of cases. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, a rich tapestry of cultural, educational, and socioeconomic elements plays a pivotal role in shaping the way maternal healthcare is sought. There is a notable disparity in access across urban and rural areas, differences in education levels, preferred treatment facilities, economic standing, and pregnancy experiences.