The Impact Of Prenatal Care Accessibility On Perinatal Outcomes In Low-Resource Settings

Abstract

Background: Access to prenatal care is essential for maintaining optimal maternal and infant health, but many marginalised communities have poor access. Access to care is hindered by economic resource constraints, geographic remoteness and poor healthcare infrastructure, which leads to variations in perinatal health. Objective: This research seeks to understand the link between access to prenatal care and perinatal outcomes - preterm birth, low birth weight and newborn deaths - in resource-poor settings. Methodology: A narrative review and secondary data analysis approach was adopted, using published reports of international health agencies and peer-reviewed articles. The variables crucial for the study were antenatal visits, proximity to health care services and skilled health care providers. Findings: The study shows that restricted access to prenatal care is found to be linked with 25-40% higher preterm births and 30% more low birth weight. This study also found the rate of neonatal death to be 50% higher in areas with poor access to prenatal care. Conclusion: Greater access to and utilization of antenatal services improve perinatal outcomes. Specific actions to overcome structural and socioeconomic inequalities are needed to prevent maternal and neonatal morbidity and death.