Content of antenatal care services in secondary health care facilities in Nigeria: implication for quality of maternal health care

Abstract

The antenatal care service as provided had reasonable capacity for intervention against pre-eclampsia and some foetal problems, and could contribute to delivery in a health facility and by a health worker. Capacity to address the possible effects of severe anaemia and malaria in pregnancy was lacking. Equipping health-care facilities with capacity to detect anaemia and proteinuria as well as ensuring that iron and folate supplements, and malaria prophylaxis are given to all pregnant women would help to meet national guidelines and improve quality of service.