such as traditional birth attendants. it is possible that a lack of knowledge on plant species used to induce labor and speed up childbirth could be one of the main factors that contribute to high maternal mortality in uganda. malaria and pregnancy malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in uganda. it is especially lethal among pregnant women and children under five. the mortality rate for all ages is estimated at 32.1% in 2004. a study in mukono, uganda, determined that the most effective delivery system of intermittent preventive treatment (iptp) for pregnant women was that education was a factor in health seeking behaviors. those who were a part of the study accessed iptp early and most of them adhered to the two doses of sp. women experienced a reduction in malaria episodes, anemia, parasitaemia and low birth weight. while these results cannot be attributed to the intervention alone, after controlling for age, education, parity, and occupation, there were still significant differences for parasitaemia, reported malaria episodes and birth weight, indicating the importance of access and adherence to iptp. perception on pregnancy influence patterns of seeking care uganda's socioeconomic and political instability, characterized by the destruction of health infrastructure, chronic shortages of staff and healthcare supplies, low wages for health workers, low accessibility to health services and mistreatment by medical personnel, have long been to blame for its high infant and maternal mortality rate. although these barriers play a substantial role in the limited access to healthcare services in uganda, it has also become apparent that the way in which women perceive pregnancy can heavily influence patterns of seeking care. some perceive pregnancy as natural, an honor, an achievement, or an exaltation of femininity, that brings joy to families and awards women respect, power, and status in their community. oftentimes these women feel socially accepted and excited for their futures, motivating them to seek antenatal care. others perceive pregnancy as a life-threatening experience, characterized by fear, unpredictable timing, and a level of uncertainty. they often define their pregnancies as a painful or regrettable experience, especially if they conceived accidentally or against their will. this mentality towards pregnancy is associated with a decrease in the amount of antenatal care sought, exacerbating issues surrounding maternal health. many women also define their pregnancy based on sociocultural values systems, including through gender and power relations. in societies where women are seen as inferior to men in the public sphere, the idea that birthing yields immense power has been attributed to the nature of childbearing. it is not uncommon for women to conceptualize their birth as a battle–a test of endurance and tolerance of physical pain. this conceptualization often leads to pregnant women suppressing their concerns about potential complications or the need for immediate medical attention. it is crucial that one understands various childbirth experiences and perceptions, as it allows individuals to better understand patterns of seeking care and how to approach individualized and culturally sensitive maternal health care.