Prevalence of Late Antenatal Booking and its Complications at Hayatabad Medical Complex

Background: Timely initiation of prenatal care is pivotal for maternal and fetal health, facilitating the early detection and management of potential pregnancy-related complications. Despite the known benefits, late antenatal booking remains a significant challenge, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study investigates the prevalence of late antenatal booking and its associated complications, contributing to a broader understanding of its determinants and impacts. Objective: To explore the prevalence of late antenatal booking among pregnant women attending Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, and to identify the associated complications and factors contributing to late booking. Methods: This descriptive research study was conducted from August 2021 to July 2023, involving 1920 pregnant women aged 18 years and above, receiving antenatal care at the Gynaecology & Obstetric Department of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Participants were selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering demographic information, medical history, timing of antenatal care initiation, reasons for late booking, and awareness of potential complications. Late antenatal booking was defined as the initiation of care beyond 24 weeks of gestation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-squared tests, or Fisher's exact tests, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The study found a late antenatal booking prevalence of 16.67%. Preterm birth occurred in 26% of cases with late booking, and low birth weight was observed in 15.9% of infants born to these women. The highest rate of late booking was among women aged 36+ (25%) and those with higher education (22.1%). Major barriers to timely antenatal care included a lack of awareness (42.5%), financial constraints (31.2%), and fear of healthcare facilities (20.9%). Conditions such as maternal anemia and hypertension were more prevalent among women with late bookings, at rates of 12.5% for hypertension and significant incidences of placental abruption and intrauterine death. Conclusion: Late antenatal booking is associated with significant adverse pregnancy outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted public health campaigns and healthcare system improvements to promote early and regular antenatal care access. Addressing educational, economic, and perceptual barriers is essential for improving prenatal care utilization.