Background: Globally more than half a million women die annually as a result of complicationsrnof pregnancy and childbirth. Ninety-nine percent of these deaths occur in most developingrncountries like Ethiopia. Obstetric related complications cannot be reliably predicted and it isrnnecessary to use birth preparedness and complication readiness strategies to overcome thosernproblems when they arise. rnObjective: To assess the knowledge and practices towards birth preparedness and complicationrnreadiness and factors associated among women of reproductive age (15-49) in Robe Woreda,rnOromia Region, Ethiopia. rnMethod: A cross-sectional community-based study supplemented by qualitative design wasrnconducted in January, 2012. A total of 575 women from 5 kebeles were selected usingrnproportionally allocated to population size and interviewed using structured and semi-structured,rnpre-tested questionnaires. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed. Multivariate analysisrnwas also done to control for possible confounding variables. rnResults: Data were obtained from 575 mothers, yielding a response rate of 98.97%. Taking intornaccount place of delivery identification, means of transportation, skilled attendant identificationrnand saving money, about 16.5% of the respondents were prepared for birth and its complications.rnIn multivariate analysis, preparation for birth and its complication was higher among educatedrnmothers (AOR= 6.23, 95% CI= 1.5, 25.87), monthly income >716 ETBr (AOR= 1.94, 95% CI=rn1.01, 3.87), ANC visit (AOR= 5.68, 95% CI= 1.27, 25.4), knowledge of obstetric complicationsrn(AOR= 2.94, 95% CI= 1.61, 5.37) and those who had given birth at health facility before theirrnlast delivery (AOR= 3.9, 95% CI= 2.04, 7.46). rnConclusion: The study identified poor knowledge and practices of preparation for birth and itsrncomplication. Community education about preparation for birth and its complication andrnempowerment of women through expansion of educational opportunities are important steps inrnimproving birth preparedness. In all health facilities during antenatal care emphasis should givenrnto preparation for birth and its complication and provide information and education to allrnpregnant women.