Factors influencing late antenatal booking in Tshwane District: Pregnant women’s perceptions

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is a branch of primary health care service universally accessible for promoting positive maternal and neonatal outcomes globally. Pregnant women are encouraged to initiate ANC as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed. Early ANC allows a series of diagnostic procedures and investigations to exclude early, potential and actual pregnancy risks. However, the rate of late initiation of ANC remains high. Aim: To explore and describe factors influencing late antenatal booking based on pregnant women’s perceptions in selected antenatal clinics in the Tshwane district. Setting: The study took place at the two selected facilities rendering ANC to the public in Tshwane district. Methods: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was followed, and 10 purposively sampled pregnant women attended semi-structured interviews. Collaizi’s descriptive method was used to analyse and organise data into themes and categories. Results: Although the participants had some awareness of ANC and the benefits attached, there were hindrances to the early seeking of ANC. The participants brought to light the factors that hinder early seeking of ANC under three themes: Theme 1 listed the patientrelated factors; Theme 2 detailed ANC routine factors; and lastly, Theme 3 described midwivesrelated factors. Conclusion: The information dissemination methods of reproductive health and childbirth need to be revisited to ensure awareness and increase uptake of the ANC services. Contribution: The study findings have the potential to guide policymakers in addressing the factors that hinder the uptake of ANC as perceived by pregnant women – the primary consumers of the service. Additionally, the uptake of ANC may contribute to a decline in maternal and neonatal mortalities.