Table 2 General knowledge pertaining to pregnancy and signs of preterm labour (N = 326)
Questions | Correct Answer | Frequencies (n) | Percentages (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
A pregnant woman must consult a clinician (doctor or midwife/nurse) | True | Â | Â |
 True |  | 303 | 92.9% |
 False |  | 2 | 0.6% |
 Do not know |  | 21 | 6.4% |
A pregnant woman must consult her clinician (doctor or midwife/nurse) in the event that she feels unwell, has a fever, and/or experiences an unusual physical change. | True | Â | Â |
 True |  | 301 | 92.3% |
 False |  | 2 | 0.6% |
 Do not know |  | 23 | 7.1% |
To decrease the risk of preterm labour, a pregnant woman should: | All of the above | Â | Â |
 Attend antenatal care as soon as she knows she is pregnant |  | 79 | 24.2% |
 Reduce stress |  | 20 | 6.1% |
 Follow all the healthcare advice given by the doctor or midwife |  | 15 | 4.6% |
 Eat healthy, nutritious food |  | 4 | 1.2% |
 All of the above |  | 144 | 44.2% |
 Do not know |  | 64 | 19.6% |
Folic acid is taken by pregnant women because it: | Is essential for the baby’s brain and spine development |  |  |
 Prevents nausea |  | 6 | 1.8% |
 Is essential for the baby’s brain and spine development |  | 116 | 35.6% |
 Prevents sexually transmitted infections |  | 2 | 0.6% |
 Helps with the baby’s lung development |  | 6 | 1.8% |
 Helps to reduce lower back pain |  | 1 | 0.3% |
 Do not know |  | 195 | 59.8% |
Pregnant women should avoid exercise. | False | Â | Â |
 True |  | 63 | 19.3% |
 False |  | 210 | 64.4% |
 Do not know |  | 53 | 16.3% |
Signs of preterm labour | |||
 Persistent cramps and abdominal (stomach pain) | Yes |  |  |
  Yes |  | 159 | 48.8% |
  No |  | 167 | 51.2% |
 The release of fluid or blood from the vagina | Yes |  |  |
  Yes |  | 197 | 60.4% |
  No |  | 129 | 39.6% |
 Regular or frequent contractions or changes in the strength or number of contractions | Yes |  |  |
  Yes |  | 110 | 33.7% |
  No |  | 216 | 66.3% |
 A feeling as if the baby is pushing down | Yes |  |  |
  Yes |  | 99 | 30.4% |
  No |  | 227 | 69.6% |
 Swollen ankles | No |  |  |
  Yes |  | 24 | 7.4% |
  No |  | 302 | 92.6% |
 Persistent cramps and abdominal (stomach pain) | Yes |  |  |
  Yes |  | 159 | 48.8% |
  No |  | 167 | 51.2% |