16 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, the expectant mother may be scared, worried or excited and go through a whole range of emotions.
It is a demanding undertaking physically, mentally and emotionally. On daily basis women give birth, some babies and their mothers make it safe and sound while others do not.
However, matron at Gaborone West Clinic, Mrs Seipato Talane says cases of maternal and neonatal deaths can be greatly reduced if pregnant women could make use of ante-natal care (ANC) education offered both in public and private institutions.
Mrs Talane defined ante-natal care, otherwise referred to pre-natal care as assessment and care offered to pregnant women.
In an interview with BOPA, she revealed that on average only 12 expectant mothers attend ANC classes at Gaborone West Clinic, saying that it is a small number and it is worrisome. She said expectant mothers must register for ANC 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,” affirmed Mrs Talane.
Mrs Talane encouraged expectant mothers, couples, partners and caretakers to enrol for ANC classes as they help one to understand what is perceived a normal and abnormal pregnancy as well as necessary interventions.
Mrs Talane, who has served through the nursing ranks for over 36 years, cited that ANC classes educate on pregnancy, labour, delivery and child upbringing.
She said expectant mothers, couples and caregivers are sensitised about changes during pregnancy, risk factors such as drugs, smoking and drinking alcohol, disorders of pregnancy and myths associated with it.
She pointed out some red flags that expectant mothers and caregivers must look out for, and urged them to visit the nearest clinic if they experience or notice any of them.
She added that pregnancy comes with signs such as severe headache, dizziness, persistent nausea and vomiting, swollen legs, epi-gastric pain, bleeding and disturbance in eye sight.
Mrs Talane also advanced that midwives must portray good behaviour, be helpful to mothers in labour and ensure that they give birth in a clean and infection-free environment. Similarly, she highlighted the need for expectant mothers 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. ENDS