“The primary purpose of Pregnancy Awareness Week is to strengthen pregnancy education and stress important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. Pregnant women should attend antenatal care as soon as they suspect they are pregnant and within their first trimester.”
Sr Sibongile Mokoena (Maternity and Paeds Unit Manager) and her team visited the local facilities with the aim to provide information and to educate woman, with regards to important pregnancy issues.
The first visit was at Harrismith Local Clinic, at which an ante-natal class / talk was provided by Sr Khumbuzile Hlatshwayo (Maternity Professional Nurse). The talk was based on the danger signs during pregnancy that should not be ignored. The signs highlighted included: Headache that does not go away and gets worse over time; Dizziness or fainting; serve nausea and vomiting that is continuous and does not end; fetal movements suddenly stopping or slowing; over swelling of hands and feet, amongst others.
She also highlighted the signs of labour which included water breakage; increased Brackston hicks; lower back pains; mucus plug or bloody show, etc. One lucky pregnant lady was gifted with a free Busamed Baby Bag, which brought about an overwhelming emotion.
The second visit, which was also an ante-natal class, was at Nestle. Sr Mokoena also went through the importance of attending antenatal classes.
Giving birth is essentially painful, however, with an unprepared mother, the pain is excessive as anxiety will also be the main contributor. A psychologically prepared mother, will still experience the pain, however, this will be less excessive as they will be prepared to what follows.
It was also added that childbirth of a psychologically prepared mother, is easier and a lot quicker as compared to a tense mother to be, accompanied by anxiety. It was clear that antenatal classes, are helpful and informative.
Two expecting mothers were also given Busamed Baby Bags.
In light of trying to bring about change and impact to the community, the hospital visited the local high school, Sasamala Secondary School, at which a Teenage Pregnancy Talk took place.
The students were reminded of the danger of childbirth, especially if the body is not ready for birth and the importance of abstinence as it can save them from not only getting pregnant, but from acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.
All in all, Busamed Harrismith Private Hospital Pregnancy Week Awareness, was a success.
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