This year National Pregnancy Awareness Week was held from February 10 to 15.
Professional nurse at the clinic Lynette Bragwanth was one of the organisers of the event and she said it is their way of celebrating pregnant women and making them aware of the importance of booking a clinic check-up before they are 20 weeks pregnant.
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“The project started in 2014 with the help of sponsors, which enabled us to pamper the moms-to-be and make them feel special.
“Most of our mothers are from underprivileged backgrounds,” said Bragwanth.
She added the aim of the event is also to provide these moms with information about maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
“It is sad that we still have mothers who deliver babies at home and only come to us when it is time to deliver their baby.
“We do not, however, have a maternity ward at the clinic and can only refer moms to hospitals for delivery. This is why it is important that they visit us before 20 weeks so that we can assess their health and assist them with a hospital booking when they are due to deliver the baby.
“Our message to moms is to book a clinic visit early and to say no to home birth.”
The three guest speakers at the event all highlighted healthy living.
Audrey Mawae, a physiotherapist, talked about the benefits of physical fitness for pregnant moms, which include:
• Exercising regulates sleep.
• It helps to strengthen your body.
• It helps with nutrition and oxygen flow from your body to the baby.
• It lowers stress levels.
Dental care health promoter Veli Chilli talked about the importance of taking care of your gums during pregnancy.
“Hormones that are not controlled cause infection in your gums which leads to gum disease, and once you have this you may need urgent medical attention,” said Chilli.
He said it is advisable to drink water with every meal, as this has long-term benefits for pregnant women.
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Mental health is an illness like any other sickness, said clinical psychologist Sinqobile Gumede.
“Your mental status affects your whole body, especially when you are pregnant.
“Many pregnancies are not planned and many pregnant women do not get full support, which can lead to mental health issues,” she said.
“Women need to be aware of this as poor mental health can lead to conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.”
Rachelle Moodley, director of NPO Women on the Rise, said their vision is to empower women and societies in rural areas.
“Our main goal is to educate women and also pamper them with manicures, pedicures and massages – things they would not have budgeted for themselves.
“We do not only do it for the less fortunate, but also for women who are fighting cancer or who are abused, by helping to bring back their inner beauty,” she said.
“We also skill women through various courses to help them get out of their comfort zones and not to feel sorry for themselves.”
Kgothatso Whiting, one of the clinic’s patients, was very excited to be part of the programme.
“I think that it was a nice gesture from the clinic to host this event since it is Valentine’s Day.
“Some of us are going through difficult situations as we are not working, so getting this kind of pampering satisfies our souls.”
