Trends in prenatal care among pregnant women in the Marrakesh province, Morocco

This analytical cross-sectional study assessed the evolution of maternal health indicators in the Marrakech province by comparing data from 2014-2015 and 2020-2022. A total of 1,070 pregnant women were surveyed in three health facilities using a self-administered questionnaire and non-probability accidental sampling. Statistical analyses (Chi-square, Student's t-tests, and logistic regression with Wald tests) were performed using SPSS 21.0. The results showed a significant improvement in prenatal care utilization over time. The percentage of women completing four recommended antenatal visits (ANC) increased from 36.9% to 49.5%, and early initiation of care in the first trimester rose from 55.3% to 82.8%. Completion rates of ANC1, ANC3, and ANC4, as well as the medicalization of consultations, also improved significantly. Logistic regression revealed strong associations between the 2020-2022 period, rural residence, and enhanced maternal health indicators. These findings underscore the positive impact of public health strategies and the resilience of Morocco's health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.