Effectiveness of Adequate Antenatal Care in Reducing Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study from an Urban Health Centre in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background:
Antenatal care (ANC) is a key preventive strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of eight ANC contacts during pregnancy to optimize outcomes. Adequate ANC enables early detection and management of obstetric complications and promotes safe delivery practices.

Objectives:
To assess the effectiveness of adequate antenatal care in mitigating adverse perinatal outcomes and to determine the association between ANC attendance and pregnancy outcomes among women attending an urban health center.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 antenatal women attending the Urban Health and Training Centre, Multan Nagar, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, over a period of three years. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a predesigned semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, ANC visits, Td vaccination, iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation, and pregnancy outcomes. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Results:
Most participants (59.52%) were aged 15–25 years, and 49.60% belonged to the lower socioeconomic group. Nearly half (48.81%) had three ANC visits, while only 16.27% completed four visits. Two doses of Td vaccine were received by 83.33% of women, and 48.81% consumed IFA tablets for three months. Institutional deliveries accounted for 94.84% of cases. All births were live and term. The majority of newborns (58.33%) had birth weight between 2.5–3.5 kg, while 40.08% had low birth weight (<2.5 kg).

Conclusion:
ANC attendance was associated with favorable perinatal outcomes; however, adherence to recommended ANC visits was suboptimal. Strengthening early registration and follow-up may further improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.