Obstetric outcomes of delayed initiation of antenatal care at a university teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is vital for the health of both mother and fetus. Generally, it has been observed that lack of prenatal care or inadequate utilization of antenatal care culminates in adverse maternal outcomes including maternal mortality. Objective: To compare the obstetric outcomes in pregnant women that commenced ANC in the third trimester with those that initiated ANC contacts early. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted on antenatal attendees that booked and delivered at the