The risks of pregnancy and the consequences among young unmarried women working in a free trade zone in Sri Lanka

The primary health care system in Sri Lanka has an international reputation for its contributions to reducing the rates of infant and maternal morbidity and mortality. These results have been achieved in part through a comprehensive system of early identification of expectant mothers, careful follow-up and monitoring, almost universal hospital deliveries, postpartum follow-up for three months after delivery, an effective immunization programme, nutrition supplements and the reporting of infectious diseases. A key to this system is the “public health midwife” (PHM) who identifies pregnant mothers, ensures their regular attendance at maternal and child health (MCH) clinics, makes monthly home visits, advises pregnant mothers on nutrition and health, facilitates hospital admission for delivery and responds to emergencies. They also provide postnatal follow-up of mother and child (Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine, 1998).