Pregnant women are increasingly skipping antenatal clinic visits, a dangerous oversight that has already resulted in tragic outcomes, as reported by Dr. Saiasi Caginidaveta, chief medical officer for obstetrics and gynecology at Labasa Hospital. He noted that many women arrive full-term and unbooked, missing vital medical care during their pregnancy. This lack of prenatal care has led to serious complications; some have sadly resulted in the loss of infants.
Dr. Caginidaveta emphasized that these women are not receiving essential health checks, such as scans and blood tests, that are critical for monitoring pregnancy health. He mentioned that the consequences include life-threatening emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhages and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
To combat this issue, healthcare providers are focusing on empowering midwives with training to recognize complications early and act swiftly. Regular emergency drills conducted at the hospital simulate real-life crises, ensuring that the healthcare team remains prepared to deal with unexpected situations effectively.
This situation is paralleled by findings from the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where a rising number of expectant mothers are also testing positive for HIV and presenting with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension. Statistics indicate that from January to June 2024, there were 552 newly diagnosed cases of HIV, highlighting the pressing need for concerted public health efforts.
While the health statistics present a concerning outlook, there is a vital opportunity for enhanced health education and community support aimed at pregnant women. Increasing awareness of the importance of antenatal care could lead to healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mothers and their children. By promoting early medical intervention and public health education, the community can work to reverse these damaging trends and foster a healthier future for families.
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