Traditional knowledge and prenatal monitoring: Traditional early CPN in the first trimester of pregnancy among the Agni Djuablin (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Pregnancy care is grounded in antenatal services; however, among the Agni Djuablin people, such care extends beyond modern medicine. This study examines early traditional Antenatal Consultation (CPN) during the first trimester, highlighting its organisation, therapeutic practices, and the motivations of the women who engage with it. A qualitative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with three matrons, two traditional practitioners, and fifteen pregnant women. Purposive sampling was employed to identify key participants and to analyse their perceptions and practices. Findings reveal that traditional CPN follows a structured protocol. From the first month, women undergo uterine purification to promote embryonic implantation. In the second month, specific treatments aim to stabilise the pregnancy and prevent miscarriage, while in the third month, the focus shifts to strengthening the body and preventing complications. Three main factors explain adherence to these practices: economic accessibility, perceived effectiveness of the treatments, and strong cultural anchoring, which positions pregnancy care within a holistic balance of physical, spiritual, and social wellbeing. These findings highlight the complementarity between traditional and modern medicine and advocate for better integration of local knowledge into public health strategies to improve access to antenatal care in Côte d’Ivoire.