Empowering Birth: An Analysis of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women

Background: Pregnancy-related complications remain a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries.Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) is a key strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality by encouraging timely utilization of skilled obstetric care.This study aimed to assess the status of BPACR among pregnant women in rural eastern India and identify factors influencing its adoption.Materials and methods: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,145 pregnant women attending Maternal and Child Health clinics in rural districts of eastern India over a 12-month period.Eligible participants were currently pregnant women who had attended at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit and provided informed consent.Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire adapted from the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) Safe Motherhood tool.Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, BPACR practices, and knowledge of obstetric danger signs was obtained.Women practicing at least three key BPACR components were categorized as "well-prepared."Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with BPACR.Results: Among the participants, 632 (55.2%) had identified a health facility for delivery, 1,129 (98.6%) had arranged transportation, 821 (71.7%) had saved money for delivery-related expenses, and only 142 (12.4%) had identified potential blood donors.Overall, 490 (42.8%) of women were classified as well-prepared.Multivariate analysis revealed that higher socio-economic status (AOR=10.831;95% CI: 7.384-15.886),joint family living (AOR=3.654;95% CI: 2.467-5.410),multigravidity (AOR=4.837;95% CI: 3.099-7.550),and good knowledge of danger signs (AOR=5.344;95% CI: 3.851-7.416)were significant predictors of better preparedness.Conclusion: Despite satisfactory preparedness regarding transportation and institutional delivery, significant gaps remain in blood donor identification and emergency financial planning.Strengthening maternal education, improving awareness of danger signs, and promoting comprehensive BPACR through community-based interventions are essential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in rural settings.