Antenatal care perceptions of pregnant African women attending maternity services in Melbourne, Australia

Objectiveto explore the experiences and concerns of an African-born sample of pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Melbourne, Australia.Designqualitative in-depth interviews.Settingthe African Women's Clinic located in Melbourne's western suburbs, an area known for social deprivation and high numbers of recently arrived African migrants.Participants18 pregnant African-born women were interviewed.FindingsAfrican women receiving pregnancy care in Australia undergo a process of adjustment as they travel from a view of pregnancy as not ‘special’ to valuing continuous antenatal care. Five themes were identified along the trajectory: pregnancy is not special; resettlement is a priority; childbearing is a normal process; coming to value continuous pregnancy care; and cultural sensitivity is important. Throughout each stage, valuing and acceptance of Australian pregnancy care were mediated by the women's cultural beliefs.Conclusionthe African population in Melbourne is not homogenous, and women's experiences differ with cultural background, residential status, educational level and prior experience. All, however, seem to progress through phases of adjustment to value continuous antenatal care. In this climate of change, the provision of a supportive sensitive service appears to promote acceptance of services and attendance at appointments.