Abstract

Background: Adequate knowledge about the maternal and child health care is meager in rural areas of India. Paying less attention to the maternal-neonatal health plays a crucial role in infant mortality. Aims &
Objective: This study was designed to assess the awareness and practices of parents in relation to maternal- fetal and neonatal healthcare. Material and Methods: A total of 230 parents were included and the study was conducted over a period of one year. A pre-set questionnaire was used to obtain the data.
Results: Diminished antenatal and post natal care caused by poor personal hygiene and lack of environmental sanitation was found among most cases. 71.3% were using hand pumps as water source and 76% were using open field for defecation. 50.7% female did not have antenatal checkups. Almost 90% of mothers received tetanus toxoid vaccine during gestational period. 34.7% deliveries were conducted by untrained dais at home. 98% children vaccinated against polio virus. 48% of the mothers initiated breastfeeding immediately after delivery. Majority of the mothers (42%) started complementary feeds to their children at the age of 6 months. 89.1% of mothers fed their children with additional feeds. Maximum (63%) number of parents did not possess the Below Poverty Line (BPL)/Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna Card. Conclusion: There is an imperative situation to educate the mothers and dais with respect to the maternal fetal health care. Also, flourishing new interventions are required to bring down the neonatal morbidity and mortality.