A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Antenatal Education on Pregnancy Outcomes among First-Time Mothers in Selected Maternity Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction : Antenatal education is an essential component of maternal healthcare aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes. It provides first-time mothers with knowledge and skills necessary for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Despite its known benefits, antenatal education is not uniformly accessible, leading to disparities in maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Methodology : A prospective cohort study was conducted in selected maternity hospitals. A total of 100 first-time mothers were recruited, with 50 receiving structured antenatal education and 50 serving as a control group. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. Pregnancy outcomes, including mode of delivery, labor duration, neonatal birth weight, APGAR scores, and maternal preparedness, were analyzed using SPSS software. Results : Mothers who received antenatal education had higher rates of vaginal delivery (70% vs. 50%, p<0.05), shorter labor duration (8 vs. 12 hours, p<0.05), and better neonatal health indicators such as higher birth weight (3.2 kg vs. 2.8 kg, p<0.05) and improved APGAR scores. Additionally, antenatal education significantly increased maternal preparedness and awareness of danger signs, leading to better health-seeking behavior. Conclusions : Antenatal education plays a crucial role in improving pregnancy outcomes. Structured education programs should be widely implemented in maternity hospitals to enhance maternal and neonatal health.