TABLE 3.

Facility Readiness Practices and Resources for ACS Use in Threatened Preterm Birth as Reported by Health Care Providers in Public Facilities in Northern India

Clinical ServicesDistrict Hospital, % (N=2)SubdistrictHospital, % (N=2)

Community Health Center, % (N=8)

Primary Health Center, % (N=8)

Evidence-based practices
Adequate gestational age assessmentUltrasound fetal biometry10010087.5100
Fundal height10010087.587.5
Advise for USG <24 weeks100100100100
Adequate obstetric careaParenteral antibiotics for maternal infection100100100100
Parenteral magnesium sulfate for pre-eclampsia100100100100
Parenteral oxytocic drugs for hemorrhage100100100100
Manual removal of retained placenta1005087.5100
Removal of retained products of conception10010010075
Assisted vaginal delivery501005050
Resuscitation with bag and mask100100100100
Obstetric surgery with anesthesia100100NANA
Blood transfusion facility100100NANA
Protocol for threatened preterm birth0000
Adequate preterm careMeasure labor room temperature100100100100
Measure postnatal unit temperature0012.512.5
Kangaroo mother care1005037.525
Physical resources
Essential medicine and functional equipmentDexamethasone100100100100
Oxytocin100100100100
Magnesium sulfate100100100100
Parenteral antibiotics100100100100
Antihypertensives10010010087.5
Antipyretics10010010087.5
Oxygen10010087.5100
Thermometer10010075100
Ultrasound1005000
Fetoscope505010075
Dipstick for urine protein1005010075
Phototherapy lights1001007562.5
Pulse oximeters1001007550
Radiant warmers10010010075
Oxygen tubing10010010075
Oxygen blender50000
Nasogastric tube10010010087.5
Container and cup50505050
Wall suction50502562.5
CPAP50000
  • Abbreviations: ACS, antenatal corticosteroids; CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; NA, not applicable; USG, ultrasonography.

  • a Basic emergency obstetric care and comprehensive emergency obstetric care.