Traditional customs cultural beliefs and perceptions toward antenatal care in rural Myanmar: a qualitative approach.

Findings are presented from eight focus group discussions. Each group was comprised of seven women under 30 years of age and their husbands who lived in one of four rural villages in Kyaukpadaung township in central Myanmar. In-depth interviews were conducted among older women. The aim was to ascertain what rural women and their husbands perceived and believed about pregnancy and prenatal care. Most of the women were aware of the symptoms of pregnancy. Most told their husbands or mothers first about the pregnancy. Women waited 3 months after the end of menstruation for confirmation of the pregnancy. Other women stated that pregnancy was confirmed after 5 months when the baby started to move. Birth order had an impact on feelings toward the pregnancy. Women felt happiness and feelings of importance but feared for the dangers of pregnancy. Men felt happy but were concerned about the health of the mother and child. Subsequent unplanned pregnancies were considered to be a drain on resources. Some felt happiness again after they saw the newborn. Pregnancy was perceived by women as a natural and normal process. Women identified the problems of pregnancy as bleeding before or after delivery miscarriage abnormal presentation a big baby retention of the placenta fits associated with the pregnancy varicose veins jaundice during pregnancy and high blood pressure. Most women ignored the danger due to edema and considered it a nuisance. Men perceived the pregnancy period as a time for women to receive special care. Men believed that women should not work as hard during pregnancy. A number of traditional customs and beliefs about food should be practiced during pregnancy such as not lifting heavy weights because it would break the babys back or eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Most women did not think prenatal care was necessary unless there were problems. Most used a traditional birth attendant for uncomplicated deliveries but went to midwives for prenatal care.