What is the place of the new WHO antenatal care model in a teaching hospital setting?

The basic component of the new World Health Organization (WHO) antenatal care model prescribes reduced number of clinic visits and limited investigations for low-risk pregnant women. The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of pregnant women seeking antenatal care in a Nigerian teaching hospital who qualify for the basic component and to document difficulties that may arise with the classifying form. In December 2004, 234 pregnant women who had initiated antenatal care were enrolled for the study. Using the classifying form, 157 (67%) were eligible for the basic component, 41 (18%) for special care, but 36 (15%) women could not be classified. Those that did not know the birth weight of their last babies accounted for most (89%) of the unclassified group. The WHO antenatal care model was the most appropriate and relevant method for our hospital where a large percentage (67%) of prenatal women were eligible for the basic component. However, we consider that the classifying form should be adapted to accommodate all pregnant women.