Amanzimtoti-based pregnancy centre receives first ultrasound machine in KZN
Once trained with their level 1 Obstetricians, the centre's staff will be able to offer the community's moms-to-be a chance to connect with their unborn baby, free of charge.
AMANZIMTOTI’S Choices for Life pregnancy resource centre is the first in the province and the second in the country to receive a mobile sonosite ultrasound machine.
Once trained with their level 1 Obstetricians, the centre’s staff will be able to offer the community’s moms-to-be a chance to connect with their unborn baby, free of charge.
The machine is from America and was donated to the local centre, situated at 10 Nelson Road opposite the magistrate’s court, by Africa Cares’ Danielle Gradwell.
“Our intention is to offer mothers and their babies a chance to bond from the early stages,” said Choices for Life manager, Zoe Bridge.
“We hope to reduce the number of backyard abortions, which many girls undergo after 20 weeks of pregnancy. These women are unaware that at this stage in the pregnancy, termination includes them going into labour and delivering a dead fetus. This is extremely traumatic and poses great health risks to the women. We have programmes set in place to help mothers if they decide to keep their baby.”
Read also: Amanzimtoti pregnancy centre’s baby safe offers life to unwanted babies
Ayanda Njapha, who works at the centre, explained that its very expensive to have an ultrasound scan done. For this reason the centre will now be able to help those underprivileged and unable to afford the high cost asked at hospitals.
Through the sonar scan, staff of the centre will be able to tell the due date of the baby, the gender and size of the baby, as well as any abnormalities physically visible, however not all this information is allowed to be shared with the mother.
The centre stipulates that mothers will still have to go for necessary check-ups at a doctor or hospital.
The Sun will update the community when the centre has received training and is qualified to offer ultrasound scans.
To find out more about the centre, visit Choices for Life on Instagram and Facebook, email manager@choicesforlife.co.za, call 031-903-7359 or Whatsapp 076-892-5115.
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