Table 2 Themes and sub-themes

Decision-making in emergency situations

• Decision of when to leave for the hospital depends on perceived urgency and risk of travel

• Decision of where to go depends on facility proximity, perceived responsiveness and connections

• Decision on how to travel was about availability

Travel experiences of pregnant women in emergency situations

• Traffic conditions, bad roads, security concerns and travel cost are real challenges for all

• Socio-economic status and support of relatives help to optimise travel experience

Reaching another facility after being referred

• Referrals increase travel time and delays in service delivery

• Ambulances are not the magic bullet for referral