Expectant mothers can now know what to expect through their journey by making use of the MomConnect interactive platform.
MomConnect is an initiative which aims to support maternal health through the use of cellphone-based technology integrated into maternal and child health services.
Ekurhuleni metro’s Maternal, Child, Women and Men’s Health manager Thembani Masina said once a health practitioner confirms a pregnancy, the expectant mom is, with their consent, registered on to MomConnect.
The free service is available in all 11 official languages and functions as a pregnancy registry that allows for health service planning and health informative targeted messaging to mothers.
“Some of the messages sent to mothers are tips on nutrition and diet, week-by-week updates on their growing baby’s development, pregnancy warning signs to look out for and a reminder of their next antenatal clinic visit,” said Masina.
Expectant mom Reitumetsi Langani, who receives a SMS every month reminding her of her next clinic appointment, encourages other women to enquire about MomConnect during their antenatal visits.
“Through this platform I receive tips and alerts for medical conditions that can be aggravated by my pregnancy. Momconnect is so helpful,” she said.
How to register:
• Ask at a public health care facility to confirm that you are pregnant.
• Dial *134*550# from your cellphone to register.
• Answer a few simple questions about your pregnancy.
• You will then be registered – welcome to the family!
• Your pregnancy is registered in the national database.
• You will receive weekly SMS messages on pregnancy and baby health (up to when the child is one-year-old).
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