How does one react when finding out they are pregnant?
Well, Ekurhuleni health practitioners have decided to lend a helping hand to pregnant women to make their nine-month journey as enjoyable as it can be.
The City’s Patrick Magodzho spoke about the services offered at the City’s primary health facilities. This was in commemoration of pregnancy awareness week, which took place 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.
“This is because a large number of maternal and child deaths can be prevented through an early antenatal care, and some basic interventions can be implemented to improve the mother’s health and that of her baby,” Magodzho said.
Among other things, Magodzho touched on services like MomConnect.
“MomConnect is an initiative which aims to support maternal health through the use of cellphone-based technology integrated into maternal and child health services,” said Magodzho.
All pregnant women need as much information as they can get, and that is what the service provides. An expectant mom like Reitumetsi Langani receives an SMS every month that reminds her of her upcoming appointment.
“Reitumetsi is now in her third trimester, and she 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 the pregnancy,” added Magodzho.
The antenatal care services provided include free HIV testing and voluntary counselling (VCT), early detection of warning signs in pregnancy and post delivery, birth preparation, complication readiness and self-care, including nutrition and a high standard of hygiene.
Pregnancy can be as healthy and joyful as can be, if you follow all the precautions offered by health practitioners.
