Raising awareness on pregnancies
Pregnancy Awareness Week is from February 6 to 10.
“Anyone who is considering getting pregnant must first check if they have sufficient resources to raise the child.”
These are the words of Port Shepstone Regional Hospital Deputy Nursing Manager, Mandisa Maqutu after the hospital recently observed Pregnancy Awareness Week.
According to the hospital’s public relations officer, Phumza Morai, the obstetrics and gynaecology unit, led by Assistant Nursing Manager, Zithobile Ngxumza and the staff participated in Pregnancy Awareness Week from February 6 to 10.
Morai said the important event was dedicated to raising awareness of the joys and challenges of pregnancy and parenthood.
“During Pregnancy Awareness Week, the hospital’s obstetric unit engaged in a variety of educational sessions, offered print material to help expectant mothers learn about the journey of pregnancy,” said Morai.
Maqutu also expressed the hospital’s commitment to helping women in having the best pregnancy and parenting experience possible.
“We know that if you educate a woman, you educate a nation because one way or the other, you will implement and share this information with your families, friends and neighbours,” said Maqutu.
She also highlighted the importance of planning for pregnancy and the disadvantages of an unplanned pregnancy, especially among young people.
She also urged parents to have open communication with their children and talk about the changes taking place in their bodies as they grow up.
Maqutu also cautioned anyone who is considering getting pregnant to first check if they have sufficient resources to raise the child.
Meanwhile, Morai said in addition to visiting schools and distributing information material, the obstetrics and gynaecology staff hosted a pregnancy awareness role play in the hospital’s outpatient gynaecology unit, to educate expectant mothers on how to better cope with stressful situations during their pregnancy journey.
“The session was an interactive, fun and informative way to help expectant mothers understand the importance of building a strong support network and the importance of visiting local clinics whenever there is something of concern about their health. The session was well-received by the patients and those who participated were given tokens of appreciation by the staff. We hope that with the activities performed during this week everyone, especially the expectant mothers were empowered to feel more confident and prepared to handle any challenges they may face during their pregnancy journey,” she said.
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