According to the 2000 Philippine Health Statistics, 24 out of 1000 women who gave birth die due to pregnancy complications. 25% of these could be accounted to hypertension, 20.3% to postpartum hemorrhage (severe bleeding), and 9% to pregnancy related to abortion.
The underlying causes of maternal deaths are delays in taking critical action, seeking care, making referral, and providing medical management. Other factors that contribute to this situation is closely spaced births, frequent pregnancies, poor detection, poor access to health care facilities and management of high risk pregnancies (Public Health Nursing in the Philippines, 2007)
That is why health promotion among pregnant women is very important. Much like a make or break , do or die situation which poses great risks for the soon-to-be mothers. A way of health promotion not only for the mother but also for the baby is the prenatal check up. Ideally, the first visit to the clinic or health center is during the first four months or as early as detection and confirmation of pregnancy. The second visit should be done during the 2nd trimester (4-6months) while the 3rd visit would be on the 3rd trimester. Upon reaching the 8th month of pregnancy, the mother is advised to visit the clinic every 2 weeks to be assessed for labor readiness.
Since the pregnant mother provides nutrients for herself and for the baby, micronutrient supplementation is advised to prevent Vitamin A deficiency, anemia and other nutritional disorders. In the same light, pregnant women are advised to take in Vitamin A supplements to be given twice a week and Iron supplementation daily. However, Vit. A supplementation are contraindicated for women below 4 months of pregnancy as it may cause congenital problems for the baby.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to diseases. In line with this, immunizations are of utmost importance especially the Tetanus Toxoid vaccine that combats the disease called tetanus that could be passed down to the baby. Tetanus Toxoid immunization comprises of 5 doses, 3 of which act as booster shots, administered parenterally. After immunization the woman is now called a “fully immunized mother or FIM”
After following all these tips and procedures, it is rest assured that the mother could now better manage a safe and clean delivery.
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The underlying causes of maternal deaths are delays in taking critical action, seeking care, making referral, and providing medical management. Other factors that contribute to this situation is closely spaced births, frequent pregnancies, poor detection, poor access to health care facilities and management of high risk pregnancies (Public Health Nursing in the Philippines, 2007)
That is why health promotion among pregnant women is very important. Much like a make or break , do or die situation which poses great risks for the soon-to-be mothers. A way of health promotion not only for the mother but also for the baby is the prenatal check up. Ideally, the first visit to the clinic or health center is during the first four months or as early as detection and confirmation of pregnancy. The second visit should be done during the 2nd trimester (4-6months) while the 3rd visit would be on the 3rd trimester. Upon reaching the 8th month of pregnancy, the mother is advised to visit the clinic every 2 weeks to be assessed for labor readiness.
Since the pregnant mother provides nutrients for herself and for the baby, micronutrient supplementation is advised to prevent Vitamin A deficiency, anemia and other nutritional disorders. In the same light, pregnant women are advised to take in Vitamin A supplements to be given twice a week and Iron supplementation daily. However, Vit. A supplementation are contraindicated for women below 4 months of pregnancy as it may cause congenital problems for the baby.
Pregnant women are more susceptible to diseases. In line with this, immunizations are of utmost importance especially the Tetanus Toxoid vaccine that combats the disease called tetanus that could be passed down to the baby. Tetanus Toxoid immunization comprises of 5 doses, 3 of which act as booster shots, administered parenterally. After immunization the woman is now called a “fully immunized mother or FIM”
After following all these tips and procedures, it is rest assured that the mother could now better manage a safe and clean delivery.
Like what you’ve read? Post a comment. =)
