Objectives 

To assess maternity care services in three primary health care centers in Al Khobar area, Saudi Arabia, using a rapid assessment method.

Design 

Retrospective review of a random sample of antenatal care family health records.

Methods 

A 30% systematic random sample of antenatal care records were selected.

Data was collected using a checklist and focus group discussion with health teams of the centers.

Results 

Recording of history and physical examination was adequate for all records in all visits.

High risk mothers were identified and appropriately referred.

About half of the pregnant mothers attended antenatal care at 16 weeks or less.

The mean number of visits during pregnancy was 7.0+-3 (1 SD).

There was no significant difference in the mean Hb levels between the first and last antenatal care visits.

Conclusions 

There is increased utilization of antenatal care services and better awareness of health team members.

More effort is required for the management and prevention of anemia during pregnancy.