Mother Health in Turkey
Total birth rate is more than three children in rural regions and about two in urban regions. The mean ratio for Turkey is 2.7 children per woman . 

It seems that the traditional difference in total birth rate between urban and rural areas is decreasing. Compared with a rate of 4.05 in 1983, total birth rate has increased to 2.7 in 1993.

2- Abortions:
A high birth rate results in high rates of unwanted pregnancies which leads to an increase in induced abortions with related risk factors. Women with unintended pregnancies either decide to give birth or choose induced abortions. In the 3 years previous to the 1993 TNSA, there were 28 abortions per 100 pregnancies reported with a rate of 18 induced abortions and 10 non-induced abortions. For every 100 live births there were 25 induced and 15 spontaneous abortions (miscarriage). While in 1984 15.1 of 100 pregnant women have decided for an induced abortion, in 1987 23.6, in 1993 17.9 and in 1998 15.3 induced abortions per 100 pregnancies are seen (Table1).

                                        Induced abortion rate
  % Number
Western region 20.3 1375
Eastern region 7.5 1018
Southern region 14.6 594
Northern region 16.3 337
Urban areas 17.1 2834
Rural areas 12.0 1501

Table 1 Induced abortion rates per 100 pregnancies in 1998

 With the revised Law for Population Planning in 1983, illegallly realized induced abortions under unsafe circumstances and by unqualified providers were hindered and legalized under governmental control. This legal protection resulted in an important decrease in complications due to criminal abortions and maternal deaths. Although an increase in induced abortions was seen after the legalization, a trend towards a decline in the number of induced abortions in Turkey has been observed since 1990.

3- Utilization of Health Services:
The main reason for low utilization rates of health care services by child-bearing women and birth-giving mothers is that they accept pregnancy and birth as part of their daily lives and do not consider them as important. However, pregnancy and birth can be potentially dangerous for both the mother and the child. 

Prenatal Care: Prenatal care is one of the most important means intending to protect the health of the mother and child and is provided by health posts, health units, mother and child health-family planning centres, hospitals and by private sector in Turkey. Following up at least six times in the prenatal period with physical examination, blood pressure, weight and height measurement, tetanus prophylaxis and counseling is recommended. It is shown that only 63% of pregnant women in Turkey receive (at least) one prenatal care (46.8% from a physician, 15.5% from a nurse or midwife) and only 43% see a doctor or a health professional before their last delivery . 

There are differences between regions in terms of antenatal care. The proportion of women receiving antenatal care is higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. It is observed that higher levels of education results in a significant increase in the proportion of antenatal care rate among pregnant women (Table 2).
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