Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness: A Case Study of Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh, India

The paper aims to examine the level of birth preparedness and complication readiness among currently married couples and factors affecting it. The study has been conducted among 400 currently married couples in the rural areas of Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh in India during second trimester of the year (2012). Bi-variate and chi-square analyses have been conducted. Birth-preparedness and complication readiness in the study include many elements: knowledge of danger signs, plan for where to go, where to give birth, saving money, a companion, transportation, a blood donor and a birth attendant. It was found that less than one fifth of women were informed about birth preparedness while they visit health centres during ante-natal care. Around three fifths of husbands were found to be aware of any obstetric danger sign. Education, mass media exposure and economic status are found to be important predictors for the awareness of danger signs among male partners. Government needs to sensitize the birth preparedness among the health personnel delivering maternal care services in rural areas for the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care. Couple counselling regarding birth planning during pregnancy must be promoted by government through media too.