Health Education Needs for Pregnant Women Attended PHCCs in Baghdad, Al-Russafa Health Directorate

Background: Prenatal health education is a key component of preventive care aimed at ensuring maternal and child health. Effective prenatal education raises awareness of health behaviors, encourages proper utilization of health services, and reduces disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of four antenatal visits spaced throughout pregnancy, starting as early as possible in the first trimester. Aim of the Study: To assess the level of health awareness related to pregnancy. To identify the primary sources of information among pregnant women attending Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Baghdad Al-Russafa Health Directorate. Patients & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in four PHCCs in Baghdad Al-Russafa from January to April 2014. Pregnant women, excluding primigravida in the first and second trimesters, were interviewed regarding socio-demographic, obstetric characteristics, PHC visits, antenatal procedures, and pregnancy-related awareness. Results: A total of 200 pregnant women participated; 91.0% lived in urban areas, and the mean age was 29.22 ± 6.31 years. Most (40.5%) had completed secondary education, and 48.0% attended PHCCs in the second trimester. Awareness of antenatal visits, necessary procedures, balanced diet, and physical activity was low. However, 82.5% were aware of smoking’s effect on pregnancy, and 55.0% preferred more than two years between pregnancies. Main sources of health information were doctors, medical staff, mothers, and in-laws. Conclusion: While awareness was high regarding TT vaccine, folic acid intake, and birth spacing, knowledge gaps existed in antenatal care visit frequency, pregnancy investigations, postnatal care, and accepted exercises during pregnancy.