Prevalence of high-risk pregnancy among pregnant women enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan in government health facilities of district Etawah, Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: According to the Sample Registration System report, India has reduced the maternal mortality rate from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014–2016 to 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016–2018. The main purpose of antenatal care is to identify “high-risk” cases as early as possible from a large group of antenatal mothers and provide them skilled and appropriate care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of high-risk pregnancy (HRP) in pregnant females availing services under pradhan mantri surakshit matritva abhiyan (PMSMA) and to assess awareness of pregnant mothers about services provided under PMSMA in district Etawah of Uttar Pradesh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 female beneficiaries who were registered under the PMSMA scheme and delivered their baby at any government health facility during one year of study period. RESULTS: It was observed that from all the antenatal women visiting the community health center for HRP day under the PMSMA scheme, 162 (40.5%) were categorized as HRPs and 238 (59.6%) of them were nonhigh-risk pregnancies. A statistically significant association was observed (P-value = 0.005 at 95% CI) between the difference in the proportion of HRPs and the educational status of the pregnant mothers. Out of 400 beneficiaries, 167 (41.75%) were aware of the PMSMA scheme. CONCLUSION: Regular antenatal care (ANC) check-ups, early identification of HRP, health education, and timely screening are needed to reduce maternal mortality.