Exploring Women’s Perceived Quality of Antenatal Care: A Cross-Sectional Study in The Netherlands

Evelien Cellissen (), Marijke Hendrix, Maaike Vogels-Broeke, Luc Budé and Marianne Nieuwenhuijze
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Evelien Cellissen: Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Marijke Hendrix: Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Maaike Vogels-Broeke: Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
Luc Budé: Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
Marianne Nieuwenhuijze: Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: Evaluating antenatal care quality involves understanding women’s experiences and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. This study examines how pregnant women in the Netherlands perceive the quality of antenatal care and which factors are related to these perceptions, with a focus on continuity of care. We conducted a cross-sectional study (2019–2020) among 1165 pregnant women (>32 weeks). Perceived quality of care was measured using the Pregnancy and Childbirth Questionnaire. Experienced continuity of care was measured using the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire. Regression analyses explored associated factors across both community and hospital care settings. Most women reported moderate-to-high levels of perceived quality. Personal continuity from community midwives, team continuity, and the presence of a coordinating care professional were associated with higher perceived quality. The use of a maternity care plan showed no association. Our findings suggest that involvement of a community midwife enhances perceived quality of antenatal care. Key contributing factors include continuity of care and experiencing a coordinating care professional.

Keywords: quality of care; continuity of care; antenatal care; woman-centered care; women’s experiences; coordinating care professional; maternity care plan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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