Table 3 Perceived reasons for ANC by time of attendance
Perceived reasons for early antenatal care | Perceived reasons for late antenatal care |
|---|---|
To confirm early pregnancy | To avoid coming to the clinic many times |
To prevent miscarriage | Lack of money |
To diagnose and treat illness associated with early pregnancy | Fear of encountering wild animals on the way to the clinic that could cause physical or spiritual harm |
To check or monitor the development of the baby | Unsure of being pregnant |
To get a clinic card in order to guarantee being attended in case of emergencies | Apathy or laziness (Uzembe) |
To get advice from the nurses | Being away from one's village or living in a remote place |
To avoid being reprimanded by clinic staff for late initiation of ANC | Shyness or embarrassment, particularly among older women and school-age girls |