Knowledge of Warning Signs in Pregnancy
Indicator Phrasing
INDICATOR PHRASING: number of women of reproductive age who are able to state at least four warning signs during pregnancy
What is its purpose?
The indicator assesses the proportion of women of reproductive age aware of at least four warning signs during pregnancy – a key pre-condition for seeking timely and appropriate care.
How to Collect and Analyse the Required Data
Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with a representative sample of women of reproductive age:
RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTIONS (Q) AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A)
Q1: During pregnancy, woman may encounter severe problems or illnesses which require her to go or be taken immediately to a health facility. What types of symptoms would cause you to go immediately to a health facility for a medical examination?
A1:
1) vaginal bleeding
2) fast/ difficult breathing
3) high fever
4) severe abdominal pain
5) headache/ blurred vision
6) convulsions
7) foul smelling discharge/ fluid from vagina
8) baby stops moving
9) leaking brownish/ greenish fluid from the vagina
10) swelling of face, hands or feet
Note: If less than four signs are stated, keep probing: “Are there any other warning signs you know?”
To calculate the indicator’s value, divide the respondents aware of at least four of the pre-defined warning signs by the total number of respondents. Multiply the result by 100 to convert it to a percentage.
Disaggregate by
Disaggregate the data by the number of pregnancies the women had.
Important Comments
1) In addition to using this indicator, also consider using a slightly revised indicator for assessing the knowledge important family members have. For example, mothers-in-law, mothers or husbands.