GEORGE NEWS - Teenage pregnancy, the use of emergency contraceptives, early bookings, and access to prenatal care are the focus of this year’s Pregnancy Education Week which is highlighted from 12 – 19 February.
Between April 2019 and December 2021, 3 922 teenage pregnancies were recorded at public hospitals in the Garden Route District.
This is 14% of the total deliveries for the district, according to Sr Claudine Potts, midwife at George Hospital.
Potts said the are concerned about the increasing number of teenage pregnancies among young girls between the ages of 12 and 19.
"Mothers-to-be should visit their local clinic - preferably before 20 weeks - to seek medical care, book an antenatal visit and gather information. Mothers should also find out if there are any antenatal classes in their area at their nearest clinic or hospital.
"The most important message to all pregnant mothers is to have a support system or partner throughout the duration of the pregnancy."
She said there are various contraceptive methods available at healthcare facilities to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
"One of these is emergency contraception available at all healthcare facilities. Emergency contraception must be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse to avoid an unplanned pregnancy," said Potts.
"As a midwife, the highlight of my work is sending home a healthy baby and giving moms-to-be the best possible experience during pregnancy and labour."
The Western Cape Health Department has various support programmes in place to assist pregnant teenagers who have social challenges. These programmes form part of the First 1000 Days plan.
"A child’s health is most vulnerable during the first 1 000 days of its life and the mother’s mental health is important for a healthy pregnancy and birth. This period, from conception until a child’s second birthday, offers a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures," said Potts.
Another form of support as part of the First 1000 Days programme for young mothers is the MomConnect mobile platform which has three main objectives:
- To register each pregnancy at a government health facility.
- To send stage-based, personalised SMSes to each mom in the registry.
- To allow women to engage with the health system through help desk tools and services.
How to register for MomConnect:
- Ask someone at a public health care facility to confirm that you are pregnant.
- Dial *134*550# from your cellphone to register.
- Answer a few simple questions about your pregnancy.
- You will then be registered – welcome to the family!
- Pregnancy is registered in the national database.
The user receives weekly SMS messages to inform them of their pregnancy and baby health (up to when the child is one year old).
Young mothers are encouraged to take the first step to a better pregnancy by booking early for antenatal pregnancy care with trained and professional midwives.
"They must adhere to their appointments and ask the necessary questions about their pregnancy so that they are more empowered and aware of their health status and the health of their unborn baby," said Potts.
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