LATE FIRST ANTENATAL CARE: NURSING ROLES IN MATERNAL AND FETAL HEALTH PROMOTION
Keywords:
Late First Antenatal Care, Nursing Role, Health PromotionAbstract
First antenatal care within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is critically important for health assessment, risk factor screening, health counseling, and mental health screening. This article aims to review and synthesize empirical evidence regarding the factors associated with and the consequences of late first ANC on maternal and infant health. Furthermore, it proposes proactive nursing guidelines to increase the rate of ANC access within the 12 week timeframe, utilizing knowledge synthesized from research and practical experience. The review indicates that socioeconomic factors, culture, beliefs, health literacy, accessibility to services, and experiences with the healthcare system are all correlated with late first ANC. This delay significantly elevates the risks of maternal anemia, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight infants, and contributes to increased healthcare expenditures. Recommendations for promoting timely ANC include developing more accessible service systems, clear risk communication, fostering positive attitudes among healthcare personnel, and training Village Health Volunteers to actively promote early ANC. Encouraging pregnant women to receive ANC within the appropriate timeframe is identified as a crucial strategy for reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, thereby aligning with the Sustainable Development.
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