Kassena-Nankana West Health Directorate urges expectant mothers to prioritise early antenatal care
She recommended that women begin antenatal visits between the eighth and ninth week of pregnancy, noting that the practice helps prepare mothers both physically and psychologically for safe delivery.
The Kassena-Nankana West District Health Directorate has called on expectant mothers to prioritise early antenatal care to improve maternal and foetal health outcomes.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday September 9, Christiana Ayichuru, Public Health Promotion Officer at the Directorate, stressed the importance of antenatal care.
“Early antenatal care seeks to improve maternal and foetal health. When this is done very early, it helps reduce risks and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.” She said.
She recommended that women begin antenatal visits between the eighth and ninth week of pregnancy, noting that the practice helps prepare mothers both physically and psychologically for safe delivery.
“The mother will also be psychologically prepared for the nine months of carrying the foetus, and we prepare her for a safe and healthy delivery. We also use this opportunity to detect and manage complications.” She added.
Sylvia Anuga, a midwife with the Directorate, highlighted that examinations and checks carried out during antenatal visits are critical for identifying and managing abnormalities.
“For the first visit, we conduct a general head-to-toe examination to detect any abnormalities in the woman. We also run blood tests to determine blood group, check for sickle cell, and assess Rh incompatibility, among others. Additionally, we perform ultrasound scans to confirm whether the implantation is in the uterus or outside.” Anuga stated.
Belinda Akwata, a Public Health Nurse, further urged pregnant women to take prescribed medications, including folic acid and multivitamins, which support foetal growth and maternal health.
“We give folic acid, fesolate, and multivitamins, which are essential for the foetus to grow well and for the mother to carry the pregnancy to term. Unfortunately, some women collect the drugs but do not take them.” She lamented.
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