Journal of Public Health and Diseases

This study assessed the maternal health profile of pregnant women during pregnancy in Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. A descriptive study design was adopted, and 178 participants who voluntarily agreed to be part of this study were selected using structured questionnaires. Instruments used for data collection included a sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, bathroom weighing scale, meter rule, microhematocrit reader, capillary tubes and hematology analyzers to obtain all the required parameters considered for this study. The findings revealed that a high proportion of the pregnant women were educated and possessed adequate knowledge regarding the importance of maintaining good health during pregnancy. Trading (58.43%) and Christianity (84.27%) were identified as the predominant occupation and religion practiced among the respondents. Most respondents systolic and diastolic blood pressure values ranges between 100–110 mmHg and below 60–65 mmHg while only 2.81% and 1.12% of the women were hypertensive. The mean arterial pressure of the respondents ranged between 74.03 to 88.89 mmHg. In terms of haemoglobin concentration, 42.13% and 39.33% of the respondents had values within 13–14 g/dl and 14.1–15 g/dl. Packed cell volume results showed that 51.69% had values between 31–35%, 17.4% had 36–40%, and 3.37% had values above 40%, while 27.53% had values below 30%. The anthropometric indices were 22.68 kg/m² and 24.75 kg/m² that are within normal range, whereas 28.22 kg/m² and 30.92 kg/m² were overweight and obese. In conclusion, the findings from this study are encouraging; however further studies should incorporate the nutritional status of pregnant women and emphasize the importance of regular medical check-ups in the study area. Adequate knowledge of antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy contributes significantly to good maternal and fetal health outcomes. The government should also implement public enlightenment campaigns aimed at improving maternal health in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.