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Motherhood should be a time of expectation and joy for a woman, her family, and her community. However, for women in developing countries, the reality of motherhood is often grim. Each year a large number of women are dying due to factors associated with pregnancy and child birth. A mother´s death carries profound consequences for her family, her community and country. Antenatal, Safe delivery care and family planning utilization are the main pillars of safe motherhood and are significant in developing countries where morbidity and mortality among reproductive age women are high. Antenatal period presents opportunities for reaching pregnant women with a number of interventions. Proper medical attention and hygienic conditions during delivery can reduce the risk of complications and infections.Family planning helps women protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and grave consequences of unsafe abortions. This book, therefore, provides descriptive and analytical analysis on antenatal, safe delivery care and family planning utilization of women in rural areas of Kalu Wereda, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

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Mekonnen Seid Mohamed Msc in Population Studies (Reproductive Health), Bsc in Agro. Economics at Addis Ababa University. Has worked in Central Statistical Agency (CSA) since 1984 and written various analytical and statistical reports and workshop papers. Senior expert in Population Statistics Directorate, CSA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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