The Continuity of Care Approach in Midwifery Care for Pregnant Women with Mild Anemia and Low Birth Weight Infants: A Case Study

Abstract

The incidence of anemia among pregnant women in Indonesia remains relatively high, at around 70%. The prevalence in South Kalimantan in 2024 was recorded at 20.13%, and within the service area of the Kayu Tangi Community Health Center, there were 56 pregnant women with mild anemia and 19 with moderate anemia. This study aims to apply the Continuity of Care (COC) approach in comprehensive midwifery care for Mrs. S within the service area of the Kayu Tangi Community Health Center. This case study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document reviews. Continuity of Care midwifery care during pregnancy was provided over four visits. Findings revealed that the patient’s hemoglobin (Hb) level at the first visit was 10.9 g/dl, indicating mild anemia. By the subsequent visit, her Hb level had risen to 13.7 g/dl. The author recommended that the patient eat a variety of vegetables daily, reduce her tea consumption, and take iron tablets twice a day. The delivery results showed that the baby was born weighing 2,340 grams, which falls into the low birth weight (LBW) category. After the baby was born, monitoring was conducted as part of the Continuity of Care program. At the next visit, the baby’s weight had increased to 3,001 grams. The implementation of midwifery care through the Continuity of Care (COC) approach proved effective in continuously monitoring the condition of both the mother and the baby.