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Introduction: The global burden of maternal mortality remains high and inequitably distributed between countries. Antenatal care (ANC) was identified as critical component in achieving the Millennium Development Goal of improving maternal health. This scoping review aimed to summarize trends and critically explore research about ANC attendance for East African women conducted during the Millennium Development Goals initiative, with a specific focus on barriers to ANC access. Methods: Using a scoping review methodology, aggregator databases were searched for relevant articles. Articles were screened by independent reviewers using a priori inclusion criteria. Eligible articles were retained for data charting and analysis. Results: Following screening, 211 articles were analyzed. The number of relevant articles increased over time; utilized primarily quantitative methods; and involved authors with affiliations from various African countries. Many interrelated physical, social, and cultural factors influenced women's seeking, reaching, and receiving of quality ANC. The extent of studies identified suggest that ANC is a priority research area, yet key gaps in the literature exist. Limited qualitative research, and few articles examining ANC experiences of women from vulnerable groups (e.g. adolescents, women with a disability, and Indigenous women) were identified. Discussion: These context-specific findings are important considering the Sustainable Development Goals aim to nearly triple the maternal mortality reductions by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, interventions should focus on improving the quality of ANC care and patient–provider interactions. Furthermore, additional qualitative research examining vulnerable populations of women and exploring the inclusion of men in ANC would help inform interventions intended to improve ANC attendance in East Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]