Does an Antenatal Care make a difference?

Antenatal Care utilization and its effects among booked and unbooked women were studied retrospectively in Obstetrics-Gynaecology Department, Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, Jalandhar (India) during April- June, 2012. Demographic variables, obstetric history and event outcomes were explored. Unbooked (58%) status was seen with primiparity, low socioeconomic status (p<0.01) and younger age (p<0.001; 20-25 yrs). 37.21% of unbooked mothers had Anemia (p<0.01) while fetuses of 24.14% mothers developed Fetal Distress. Incidence of Oligohydraminos, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, Intrauterine Growth Retardation, Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membrane and Preterm Labour were higher among unbooked mothers. Unbooked status had higher Preterm (22.42%) and Low Birth Weight babies (51.73%). Majority of mothers of moderate age (40.48%; 26-30yrs), high socioeconomic status (26.20%) and multiparity (54.77%) booked themselves. The lack of required antenatal care might have led to higher obstetric complications among unbooked mothers. Improving socioeconomic status and women literacy rate may increase the number of booked mothers which may provide them the needed antenatal care.