Making pregnancy safer
The service provides important information to pregnant women.
Pregnancy is an exciting experience, and Ekurhuleni health practitioners lend a helping hand to make the nine-month journey even more precious for expectant moms.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s accoucheur (male midwife), Patrick Magodzho, explained the services offered at the city’s primary health facilities.
This was in commemoration of Pregnancy Awareness Week, which is observed from February 10 to 16.
“We strongly emphasise the importance for women to start attending antenatal care as soon as they become aware that they might be pregnant,” Magodzho said.
“This is because a large number of maternal and child deaths can be prevented through early antenatal care, and some basic interventions can be implemented to improve the mother’s health and that of her baby.”
READ: Ekurhuleni expands access to healthcare by extending operating hours at 29 clinics
Among the services highlighted is MomConnect, an initiative which aims to support maternal health through the use of cellphone-based technology integrated into maternal and child health services.
The service provides important information to pregnant women, as it does to expectant mom Reitumetsi Langani who receives an SMS every month, reminding her of her next clinic appointment.
Reitumetsi is now in her third trimester and is pleased with the MomConnect service.
She encouraged other women to enquire about it during their antenatal visits as she has received tips to be alert for medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy.
The antenatal care services provided include:
• Free HIV testing and voluntary counselling (VCT)
• Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post delivery
• Birth preparedness and complication readiness
• Self-care, including nutrition and high standard of hygiene.
Once a health-care practitioner has confirmed pregnancy, the mother-to-be is encouraged to register with MomConnect by dialling *134*550# from their cellphone.
ALSO READ: Moms’ maternal health is important for children too
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