BMC Health Serv Res. 2026 Jul 11. doi: 10.1186/s12913-026-15063-3. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A healthcare system’s efficacy is demonstrated by safe motherhood, which is an essential aspect of women’s health. Preconception, pregnancy, labor, and the postoperative phase are all included in this continuum of care. There are still gaps in maternal healthcare awareness, use, and continuity, especially during preconception and the early postnatal stages, even though India has made great strides in lowering maternal mortality through national health programs and better access to institutional deliveries and antenatal care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Gujarati women’s knowledge, availability, and use of maternal health services, with an emphasis on preconception care, prenatal care, delivery procedures, and postnatal follow-up.
METHODOLOGY: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional methodology and included 318 reproductive-age women from semi-urban, urban, and rural areas using a structured pre-validated questionnaire. Both quantitative information about maternal health practices and experiences were gathered through in-person interviews and Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages in Microsoft Excel.
RESULTS: Among the 318 respondents, 75.5% were aged 18-30 years and 50% resided in rural areas. Awareness regarding preconception health checkups was reported by 71.1% of women, whereas 28.9% lacked such awareness. Antenatal care utilization was high, with 87.1% attending antenatal checkups, the majority receiving tetanus toxoid immunization and iron-folic acid supplementation, and 97.3% undergoing institutional deliveries with skilled birth assistance. However, only 58.2% of women received postnatal care within 48 hours after delivery. Nutritional counseling was reported by 41% of respondents, while 55.2% received breastfeeding counseling. Significant gaps were found in preconception health information, early postnatal follow-up, and emotional support, especially among rural women.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need to shift focus from service availability to continuity and quality of maternal care. Strengthening preconception education, ensuring timely postnatal follow-up through community health workers, expanding counseling services, and promoting family engagement are essential to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
PMID:42436490 | DOI:10.1186/s12913-026-15063-3
