23 Nov 2020

Princess Marina Hospital paediatrician, Dr Kebone Motseoesi says  a mother’s state of health, plays a critical role in the outcome of her pregnancy.

Giving an update on neo-natal care during COVID-19 pandemic in Gaborone on Saturday, Dr Motseoesi said it was important for couples planning to have a baby to visit health facilities to optimize their chances of having a healthy baby. 

Dr Motseoesi said at the health facility, health personnel would examine for treatment and provide monitoring and counseling.

She also emphasised the importance of attending ante natal classes by expectant women for a successful pregnancy and delivery.

Dr Motseoesi said in pre-natal care, nurses could assist in curbing situations that could lead to a premature birth.

For her part, the Matron responsible for neo-natal care unit at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH), Ms Margaret Kagiso said maternal medical reasons that could cause pre term delivery included, low blood pressure as well as diabetes.

She further mentioned that other causes leading to mothers having premature babies included some inherited disorders hence the need to attend pre-natal care lessons to receive counseling which would prepare one on what to expect. 

She also highlighted that the use of alcohol, drugs and smoking also affected the foetus and caused pre-term delivery. She urged women to desist from taking such when pregnant.

Ms Kagiso said in some instances, expectant mothers could have premature babies because of infections that could affect the uterus, saying attending pre-natal care could come in handy as those infections could be treated well in time.

Regarding COVID-19, Ms Kagiso said PMH have had a single case of a premature baby with COVID-19, but said the baby was doing well.

For her part, a nurse at Princess Marina Hospital Neo-natal care unit, Ms Anastacia Masokwane said a child born prematurely meant that the child had not been fully developed to function on their own hence they needed intensive care.

Ms Masokwane explained that premature babies were susceptible to diseases because their immune system had not been well developed to defend itself against diseases.

She also said when such babies were released from hospital they still needed extra care as compared to babies born at full term.

Ms Masokwane also highlighted that a new mother with a premature baby needed support from both partners and families to get through. 

She said most parents go through trauma of fear of the small creature they had given birth to, saying with emotional support they could overcome such. Ends