**4. Conclusion**

Antenatal care is an important determinant of high maternal mortality rate and one of the basic components of maternal care on which the life of mothers and babies depend. Thus, Antenatal care is a key strategy to improve maternal and infant health.

Early initiation of antenatal care facilitates the timely management and treatment of pregnancy complications to reduce maternal and newborns deaths.

Studies examining the effectiveness of antenatal care on maternal and newborn health outcomes have provided conflicting results.

Good ANC links the woman and her family with the formal health system, increases the chance of using a skilled attendant at birth and contributes to good health through the life cycle. Inadequate care during this time breaks a critical link in the continuum of care, and affects both women and babies.

Indirect causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, such as HIV and malaria infections, contribute to approximately 25% of maternal deaths and near misses, so that by utilization of appropriate ANC services STIs and other diseases can be prevented and managed concurrently through integrated service delivery.
