Abstract

Abstract:
Background: Pregnancy is a natural condition that can predispose to a number of physiological
and psychological changes in the anticipated mothers, however normal pregnancy may face the risk
of sudden, unexpected complications that may end up in death or harm to the mother or her unborn
child. Method: The present study is a cross-sectional study carried out in four primary health care
centers in Basra city to assess the knowledge of pregnant women attending ANC services about the
danger signs of pregnancy and to identify the main factors affecting their knowledge. The study
involved 385 pregnant women aged 15 years and older attending the selected primary health care
centers during the study period. A special questionnaire form was designed for the purpose of the
study to collect the relevant data. Results: Majority of the women had heard about pregnancy danger
signs (53.2%), approximately half of them had obtained this information from a health-care provider
with a considerable percentage of women who thought that it is important to know such information
(86%).The knowledge level was poor in (45%) of women with a nearly similar percentage (44%) who
exhibited good knowledge toward these signs. The most commonly recognized danger sign was
vaginal bleeding followed by severe abdominal pain and reduced or absent fetal movement. Severe
headache, weakness, swollen hands, face and feet and high grade fever were mentioned by (32.7%,
31.9%, 17.9% and 7.5%) of women respectively. As conclusion, knowledge level was poor in (45%)
of women; however a nearly similar percentage (44%) had a good knowledge about these signs. Most
commonly recognized danger sign was vaginal bleeding followed by severe abdominal pain and
reduced or absent fetal movement.