15 Feb 2017

A good populace of women who have experienced pregnancy can testify that it is not a walk in the park. Whether planned or unplanned pregnacsy can bring  bouts of fear and worry.
 It is a demanding undertaking physically, mentally and emotionally.
The situation is not helped by incidences of mothers dying while giving birth.
However, matron at Gaborone West Clinic, Ms Seipato Talane says cases of maternal and neonatal deaths can be greatly reduced if pregnant women could attend and make use of ante-natal care education offered both in public and private institutions.
Ms Talane defined ante-natal care, otherwise referred to as pre-natal care as assessment and care offered to pregnant women.
In an interview with BOPA, she revealed that on average only 12 pregnant women attend ANC classes at Gaborone West clinic, charging that it’s a small number and it’s worrisome. She said pregnant women must register for the service at eight weeks of pregnancy and immediately start attending classes.
“After registration, we run a number of tests including HIV and offer treatment right away,” said Ms Talane.
Ms Talane encouraged expectant mothers, couples, partners and caretakers to enrol for ANC classes as they helped one to understand what was perceived a normal and abnormal pregnancy as well as necessary interventions.
Ms Talane, who has served as a nurse for over 36 years explained that ANC classes educated on pregnancy, labour, delivery and child upbringing.
She said pregnant women, couples and caregivers were sensitised about changes during pregnancy, risk factors such as drugs, smoking and drinking alcohol, disorders of pregnancy and myths associated with pregnancy.
She pointed out some red flags that pregnant women and caregivers must look out for, and urged them to visit the nearest clinic if they experienced or noticed any of them. She added that pregnancy came with signs such as severe headache, dizziness, persistent nausea and vomiting, swollen legs, epi-gastric pain, bleeding and disturbance in eye sight.
Ms Talane also said  that midwives must portray good behaviour, be helpful to pregnant women in labour and ensure that they gave birth in a clean and infection-free environment. Similarly, she highlighted the need for pregnant women to cooperate with health professionals.
She said it was a good practice for a nurse to introduce themselves by name and help the patient understand the procedures carried out on them.
Moreover, she implored mothers to honour their post natal care appointments as they were meant to check the mother’s recovery and the baby’s general health.
“Breast feeding incorrectly may cause problems such as engorged breasts, colic, nipple cracks, and difficulty in breathing for the baby and insufficient production of milk that leads to under feeding,” she said. ENDS