Abstract Antenatal period is a time when the women are receptive to teaching and learning related to self care. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to assess the learning needs of the antenatal mothers, and are assessed in terms of knowledge, self-care practice and perceived learning needs of the mothers. Methods: Cross-sectional exploratory survey was done among 150 antenatal mothers (50 mothers from each trimester) attending department of a selected tertiary care hospital. The data were collected using knowledge questionnaire, practice checklist and a questionnaire to assess the perceived learning needs. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse the data. Results: The findings of the study revealed that 4.7% of mothers had good, 54% had average and 41.3% had poor level of knowledge. The mean score of antenatal care was 16.2+3.97 (54%). The mean score was lowest in the area of diet (51.27%). The mothers of third trimester had significantly higher knowledge than other two trimesters. The self care practice was good among 136(90.67%) antenatal mothers and was average among 14 (9.33%) antenatal mothers. The mean self care practice score of antenatal mothers were 12.37+3.09( 82.47%). Scores were less in the area of exercise (62.3%). Majority of mothers perceived learning needs on diet and exercise (90%) followed by other areas. Conclusion: The result of the study showed that knowledge of antenatal mothers are inadequate. Though majority of mothers scored good in the self care practice, it was inadequate in the area of exercise and diet. This suggests that an education program should be conducted among antenatal mothers on antenatal care based on their learning needs to increase the knowledge and practice on antenatal care. This helps to promote a healthy pregnancy and fetal outcome.