Individual determinant of utilization postnatal services

Up to two thirds of maternal deaths occur after delivery. Therefore the World Health Organization suggests that health care should be provided at 6 hours 6 days 6 weeks and 6 months post delivery in order to ensure women''s physical and mental health and well-being. The postnatal period is defined by the WHO as the period beginning one hour after the delivery of the placenta and continuing until six weeks (42 days) after the birth of an infant. Care during this period is critical for the health and survival of both the mother and the newborn. Globally it is estimated that more than 500000 women die because of pregnancy complications and childbirth every year. At least 7 million women who survive childbirth suffer serious health problems and 50 million women suffer adverse health consequences after childbirth. The majority of these deaths and complications occur in developing countries.