Abstract:
Background. In Ethiopia, majority (62%) of pregnant women receive at least one antenatal follow-up, yet only 26% give birth in
health facility. Understanding factors underlying this high uptake of antenatal care and low institutional delivery service is critical.
Women had antenatal care follow-up means; by default they have access to health facilities. Tus, why do some give birth at home
even afer receiving antenatal care? Methods. Fourteen key informant interviews and six focused group discussions were held among
purposively selected women who gave birth in the last 12 months without skilled attendance afer receiving antenatal care. Te
study explored women’s perspectives on maternity care, care providers, and factors that infuence place of delivery. Interpretative
phenomenological analysis was used to examine various behaviors and beliefs of respondents. Results. Study participants described
range of experiences and beliefs that made them give birth at home afer receiving antenatal care at health facilities. Four themes
emerged from women’s description: poor counseling during antenatal care service, traditions, early pregnancy symptoms, and lack
of planning in advance for childbirth. Conclusion. Poor counseling during antenatal care is deterring women from seeking skilled
attendance at birth. Tus, healthcare providers need to stress necessity of facility based delivery care during antenatal follow-up
counseling
