Pregnancy Education Week (PEW) is in its 13th year of creating awareness around childbirth.
At about 8.30am Tuesday, February 11 an event was held at the Estcourt Provincial Hospital in aid of educating pregnant women, partners, childbirth educators, neighbours, caregivers as well as significant others to offer support during and after the labour process.
The South African Department of Health has declared February Pregnancy Awareness Month.
The Estcourt Provincial Hospital is playing their part by offering free educational sessions for anyone interested.
The theme for PEW 2014 is: “A healthy mother; a live baby, better life for all.” The motto has been: “No woman should have to die during the process of giving birth – childbirth education makes a difference.”
Matron Adam believes with continuous emphasis on childbirth education, mothers-to-be will have a better birthing experience and will have fewer complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Educating pregnant women on how to provide themselves with care is essential to a healthy pregnancy and ultimately a healthy baby.
It is not just part of her job but has become a goal of hers as well as her colleagues to reduce the high infant and maternity mortality rates in the country.
This being one of the most important national health events, it will contribute to the success of this in years to come.
A play was acted out by some of the nurses making the five danger signs known to a few of the expecting mommies that were present.
Things got spiced up when Maternal Doctor Mandla asked the attendants questions based on the play and those giving the correct answers each received gift baskets sponsored by Bio-Oil.
Some of the several topics Operational Maternity Manager Noxolo Qhwagi shared with mothers were getting tested; one of the many tests taken early on in one’s pregnancy includes an HIV test.
If you are HIV positive and decide that you still want to have a child, your doctor can treat you, so that way the foetus will be prevented from transmitting HIV.
Avoid unhealthy substances, the choices you make no longer depend on your life only but on the life of your baby.
Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and even medication can be extremely damaging to the baby’s health and can result in premature labour, underweight or a child with learning disabilities.
Attending antenatal classes can help you better manage your pregnancy and birth experience and give you an idea of what it’s going to be like having a baby.
It also allows you and your partner an opportunity to discuss birthing options.
Maintaining a healthy nutritious diet is essential for your health and that of the baby and preparing for labour day is just as vital.
Some of the issues stressed were family planning also known as reproductive health.
Matron Adam said: “It’s very important to space one’s children out, in order to be able to give each child attention and affection and allow your body to heal and return to its impregnating state.”
She encourages woman to enjoy their pregnancy, to make early bookings with the hospital and visit the clinic.
Various types of contraceptions were displayed and new on the market is the implant.
This contraception gets implanted into the upper right arm and is renewed after every three years. Matron Adam empowered women to make use of female condoms to prevent cancer and sexually transmitted illnesses, and for pregnant women to have their blood pressure checked regularly.
Pregnant women were encouraged to pay the hospital a visit for an ultrasound during 13-20 weeks into the pregnancy to detect any abnormalities.
Another notable point made was companionship, it’s said it’s not only helpful but good to have a companion during this time to rely on for emotional support whether a close friend or even a relative.
Matron Adam then took the time to thank all those who attended and those who made the event possible.
Play your part and become enlightened with some of the valuable information about Pregnancy Awareness Month and the most exciting, though nerve wrecking, nine months leading to the birth of your bundle of joy.