Abstract            Volume:12  Issue-9  Year-2024         Original Research Articles

Online ISSN : 2347 - 3215 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcret@gmail.com

Maternal health outcomes in urban slums are hindered by poor living conditions, limited healthcare access, and socioeconomic barriers. Antenatal care (ANC) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are critical for maternal and child health, but gaps in research persist in these populations. This study aims to assess ANC utilization and GWG during the last pregnancy among mothers residing in urban slums with at least one child aged 0 to 1 year. It further seeks to examine the factors influencing these outcomes to identify gaps and areas for intervention. A retrospective study was conducted among 200 mothers from urban slums. Data were collected using structured interviews to gather information on ANC visits, GWG, socioeconomic status, and pre-pregnancy BMI. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between ANC utilization, GWG, and the influencing factors. The study found that only 39 % of mothers had completed ANC Visits, and 42% achieved optimal GWG. Factors such as maternal education, socioeconomic status, and pre-pregnancy BMI significantly influenced both ANC utilization and GWG. Barriers included limited healthcare access and cultural practices. Improving ANC access and addressing socioeconomic barriers are imperative to enhance maternal health outcomes in urban slum communities.

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