Assessment the Quantity and Quality of Prenatal Care referred to Maternity and Obstetric's Facility

Prenatal cares are provided with the aim of maintaining a healthy pregnancy in regard to the physical and psychological health of both mother and her baby. This study was carried out to assess the quantity and quality of prenatal care in Jahrom/ Iran.
The cross-sectional study was conducted on 531 urban and rural pregnant women. Data were collected by “Integrated Management Evaluation System” check list that was prepared by Health Ministry. The quantity of care was classified as adequate in case of at least 6 prenatal visits before the end of the first trimester and the first visit before the end of the first trimester; otherwise, it was classified as inadequate. The quality of care was determined as appropriate and inappropriate based on the standards of prenatal care.
In whole, 242 pregnant women had received adequate care and the rate of adequate care in rural areas was significantly higher than that in urban area. The quantity of care in urban area (45%) was significantly higher than in rural area (51%). The quality of care was appropriate in 333 women and it was significantly higher in rural area (68.9%) than in urban area (56.6%). Urinary infection and anemia were significantly more prevalent in rural women than in urban women.
The rate of pregnancy complications was higher in rural women despite better quality and quantity of prenatal cares in rural area. Therefore, it is necessary that health workers pay more attention to the pregnant women's education and control of complications.