Strengthening Antenatal Care Through Basic Obstetric Ultrasound Services in Primary Health Care Facilities

Status: Ongoing

Background

Rivers State has introduced basic obstetric ultrasound services within selected primary health care facilities as part of efforts to strengthen maternal health services and improve pregnancy outcomes. While ultrasound has demonstrated value in supporting clinical decision-making during pregnancy, its integration into routine antenatal care at the primary health care level remains an evolving area of practice.

Project Focus

This collaborative research initiative is examining the early integration of basic obstetric ultrasound services within routine antenatal care delivery in selected primary health care facilities across Rivers State. The work explores provider experiences, operational challenges, and factors influencing the adoption and use of ultrasound services within everyday clinical practice.

Why It Matters

Understanding how ultrasound services are incorporated into routine antenatal care is essential for informing future implementation approaches and strengthening service delivery models. Insights from this work are expected to support evidence-informed decisions regarding the scale-up and sustainability of ultrasound services within primary health care settings, particularly in resource-limited environments.