Moms urged to attend Pregnancy Awareness Week initiatives
Pregnancy Awareness Week has been launched across the district by the Health Department.
The West Rand Health District kicked off its maternal health initiative recently with the hope of reaching out to as many pregnant women across the district.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Health, Pregnancy Awareness Week hopes to strengthen pregnancy education focusing on important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood.
Pregnant women should start attending antenatal care as soon as they suspect that they are pregnant and certainly within their first trimester.
Having started in Randfontein last month, the initiative will be spreading to other parts of the West Rand until February 15. Most recently on February 6, many young women were seen at the Zenzele Sports Ground receiving education from stakeholders on how they could prioritise their health.
This initiative also educates women about their maternal rights. Pregnant women need to know their rights, including:
• The right of a woman to choose her companion who will support her during pregnancy and childbirth, and who will accompany her to the antenatal care clinic as well as she goes into labour
• The right of the woman to be treated with respect, dignity, and confidentiality
• The right of the woman to ask questions and also to get an explanation about her condition
