Knowledge of pregnancy danger signs and associated factors among Malaysian mothers

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy complications are a main cause of maternal mortality. Studies suggest not all women regard pregnancy complications as abnormal, owing to a lack of knowledge about ‘danger signs’. Danger signs in pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, severe headache or blurred vision, severe abdominal pain, swollen hands and face, reduced fetal movement, weakness and difficulty in breathing. Aims: To assess the level and associated factors of knowledge about pregnancy danger signs among antenatal women in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional design using a modified questionnaire was employed with 178 antenatal women. Results: More than half of the antenatal women were lacking in knowledge of pregnancy danger signs. A significant association was found between the age, level of education, working status and monthly household income of antenatal women and their level of knowledge. Conclusion: The study revealed the knowledge level of these antenatal women about pregnancy danger signs was inadequate. Therefore, it is necessary for maternal health services to empower antenatal women to understand the danger signs of pregnancy complications.