Specialist gives some advice to new, expecting mothers about pregnancy
A specialist speaks to Review for National Pregnancy Awareness Month, which is in February
POLOKWANE – February is National Pregnancy Awareness Month and Review spoke to Dr Mathabatha Buthane, a specialised obstetrician and gynaecologist in Polokwane for some advice.
“I would like to advise women to go to a healthcare practitioner for a check-up to see if they are mentally and physically fit to have a baby before they plan to start a family. Everything about your baby starts when you start to plan a family.
“This is why you have to ensure you are mentally, financially, emotionally and physically ready for a baby.”
According to Buthane, after you fall pregnant you can visit a doctor or a midwife. They will then advise you whether it is necessary to see a gynaecologist. “For high risk pregnancies you will have to see a gynaecologist, but if it is a low risk pregnancy you can visit the general practitioner or midwife until they advise you otherwise.” Buthane also says women should try to keep healthy during their pregnancy by eating healthy food, visiting the healthcare practitioner and staying away from drugs, alcohol and smoking.
He says the difference between an obstetrician and a gynaecologist is that the obstetrician is involved with the mother from week 20 onwards and during the labour. The gynaecologist is involved from early pregnancy and with other female health issues.
“Stay healthy during your pregnancy and don’t hesitate to ask for advice,” Buthane concludes.
