Life Springs Parkland Hospital hosts Pregnancy Awareness Day
Excited parents gathered for a fun-filled but informative day at Life Springs Parkland Hospital.
Fifty-five expectant mothers and fathers attended the Pregnancy Awareness Day at Life Springs Parkland Hospital.
The event was well attended and was filled with informative talks, exciting exhibitions as well as a lucky prize draw for the attendees.
Speakers covered a range of topics about pregnancy and the issues that come with it.
“Pregnancy is generally a joyous occasion and a special time in life.
“The most important thing after birth is to remember to be on baby time.
“Don’t rush the process,” says Lynne Bluff, who spoke about childbirth.
The expectant parents had a lot of questions for the speakers who spoke about stress during pregnancy, exercise, diet and the threat of listeriosis.
The attendees were advised to manage their stress as it increases the risk of the child having ADHD, language delays or the child being born with low iron levels.
Also read: Good turnout at St Mary’s Pregnancy Awareness Day
Myths about eating for two were also busted.
“You should not eat for two, the choices you make should be twice as good,” says dietician Jolien Bam.
As the threat of listeriosis looms over the heads of most South Africans, parents were advised to be extra vigilant with their hygiene, where they store their food, how they prepare it as well as the hygiene practices of the places where they buy their food.
“Listeriosis is not infectious.
“One can only get it through consuming contaminated food products,” says Melita Njilo, the infection control specialist at Life Springs Parkland Hospital.
Symptoms of listeriosis include headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and fever.
The bacteria of listeriosis can be detected through blood cultures and a lumbar puncture.
At the end of the day, expectant parents left the event more informed about pregnancy and the choices they make to have healthier happier pregnancies.
