Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs during Pregnancy in Prime Gravida Women Attending Ali Kamal Health Center, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Pregnant mothers experience a number of physical and psychological changes due to pregnancy, which are part of a normal process. However, vaginal bleeding, severe headaches, blurred vision, high fever, swollen hands or face, and decreased foetal activity can be warning indicators. These warning signs typically point to an obstetric problem that could develop during pregnancy. Understanding these warning signs can empower women to make informed decisions and seek medical attention.   Objective: The current study  aims to assess the knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy of primigravidal women attending the Ali Kamal Health Center in Sulaimaniyah City.   Materials and Methods: A non-probability, Purpousive sample of 126 pregnant women was used in this descriptive study. It was conducted at the Ali Kamal Health Center in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq from 16 January 2023 to 16 March 2023. A well-designed questionnaire was constructed, in which the first section focused on sociodemographic characteristics and the second section consisted of questions regarding obstetric characteristics. Ten questions about participants' knowledge of danger signs comprised the final section.   Results: The findings revealed that 61.1% of participants had no knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy, 26.6% of mothers had adequate knowledge, and just 12.7% of participants had good knowledge. Age and education level have statistically significant or positive relationships with maternal knowledge. However, no statistically significant or positive relationships exist between maternal knowledge and occupation, monthly income, or place of residence.   Conclusions: There was a lack of awareness of pregnancy danger signs among expectant mothers at the Ali Kamal Health Center. Pregnant women should be educated to be more aware of the warning indicators, as this will empower them to make informed decisions and seek the necessary medical attention.