Pregnancy Awareness Week

The National Department of Health has dedicated 3 to 7 February 2025 for the purpose of pregnancy awareness. Pregnancy Awareness Week aims to strengthen education about pregnancy with the objective of promoting healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. According to the National DOH, pregnant women should be encouraged to visit a primary healthcare facility and start attending antenatal care as soon as they suspect that they are pregnant or are within their first trimester. Antenatal care ensures early detection and interventions for a healthy outcome for mother and child.

A few advantages of early antenatal care include:
– The opportunity to exclude and manage existing medical conditions which can be aggravated by the pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes, infections and anaemia
– Free HIV testing and voluntary counselling (VCT)
– Early antenatal care can assist in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV
– Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post delivery
– Birth preparedness and complication readiness
– Self-care including nutrition and high standard of hygiene
– Education on the role of the father, the male partner and the family.

As part of Pregnancy Awareness Week, pregnant women are encouraged to take action to ensure they have the following rights:
– The right of a woman to choose her companion who will provide her with support during pregnancy and childbirth, and who will accompany her to the antenatal care clinic as well as she goes into labour.
– The right of the woman to be treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality
– The right of the woman to ask questions and to get explanation about her condition.

The main goal of Pregnancy Awareness Week is to spread important information regarding pregnancy including tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy, how to prevent complications and many more.

Sources: Department of Health RSA, Council for Medical Schemes.

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist on any health-related issues.

Our approach is intrinsically collaborative and the business works together with all of our stakeholders – customers, partners and suppliers.

CONTACT
INFORMATION

JOIN OUR
MAILING LIST

© Copyright 2024   |   Pharmed Pharmaceuticals  |   All Rights Reserved   |  Disclaimer