He said this was unacceptable and called for vigorous measures to address and change the trend, considering improved facilities at most hospitals in ensuring efficient antenatal services and care.

Dr Oduro was speaking at a durbar on the prevention of maternal deaths in the country at Kentinkrono-Nsenie near Kumasi at the weekend.

He called on nurses, midwives and traditional birth attendants to step up efforts at sensitising pregnant women to visit the hospitals regularly to seek treatment.

He said the reluctance of pregnant women to seek early antenatal care at the hospitals was dangerous and could cause complications at birth.

Dr Oduro advised pregnant women, who experience frequent headaches, anaemia, bleeding, abdominal pains, swelling of the leg and excessive vomiting to be wary of these signs and seek early treatment, since they could cause deaths or complications at birth.

Dr Frank Abebrese, medical director in charge of Kumasi South Hospital at Kyirapatre, cautioned pregnant women to avoid negative socio-cultural practices that inhibit their smooth delivery at birth.