A study of out-of-wedlock pregnancies: outcome and utilization of maternal/child health services.
The characteristics of unwed pregnant women, their utilization of maternal and child health services and the infant mortality among these out-of-wedlock births were investigated. During the study period, 5% of all pregnancies (48 of 855) were of this nature. Utilization of antenatal services was poor among unwed pregnant women, compared to those who were married. However, they used the child care services satisfactorily, as observed by the well-baby-clinic visits and acceptance of immunization. The infant mortality was 125 per 1000 live births, more than double the rate among infants born to married women. Either immediately after child birth or within one year after delivery, 50% of the unwed mothers started living with the putative fathers.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007086:Illegitimacy; D007114:Immunization; D007194:India; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy