adminDr Davidzoyashe Makosa
Psalm 127 v 3: Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. (NKJV)
Q) What should a couple do when they are planning to have a baby?
A) It is ideal to go for a check-up before the pregnancy (pre-pregnancy counselling). This allows the health providers to do the appropriate tests and offer the relevant advice and or treatment before the baby is actually conceived. Some vitamins such as Folic acid which has been shown to be beneficial in pregnancy ought to be taken before conception and at least within the first three months of pregnancy.
Q) How does a woman know she is pregnant?
A) A positive pregnancy test is usually the first step in confirming pregnancy (A pregnancy test is not always 100 percent accurate, especially if done too early or in abnormal pregnancies). An ultrasound scan may also be requested by a health provider.
Q) What are the symptoms and signs of pregnancy?
A) A missed period is one sign and other non- specific symptoms such as, changes in appetite, nausea, tender breasts, specific food cravings, backache. (These are very non-specific and should always be checked out by a qualified health provider as they may indicate more serious conditions)
Q) At what stage of the pregnancy should I visit the clinic or doctor?
A) As soon as one misses a period or suspects that she is pregnant. It can be dangerous to delay as some pregnancies may be abnormally located e.g. a baby growing in the tube instead of the womb (an ectopic pregnancy). This may lead to internal bleeding and sometimes loss of life.
Q) Why is it important to book the pregnancy early?
A) Early booking of the pregnancy also enables health providers to carry out various tests to determine the health of the parents. This enables to treat any medical condition early so as to ensure good health for both mother and baby. Some of the tests done at booking include:
HIV test( ideally both parents), syphillis, iron levels (most mothers will require iron supplementation during pregnancy).
Some medication may also be administered to prevent disease or complications in mother and baby. The common ones include: Iron tablets, folic acid, malaria preventive treatment (especially for mothers who live in malaria prone areas), anti-tetanus injection, antiretroviral drugs for HIV positive mothers to treat the mother and help reduce chances of transmission to the baby.
Q) What danger signs and symptoms should I watch out for when pregnant?
A) Generally if a pregnant woman feels unwell for any reason, she must seek medical attention promptly. Below are some of the danger signs that should prompt a woman to seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.Bleeding, vaginal discharge, breaking of waters, abdominal pains, headaches, reduction of baby movements.
Q) Can a woman deliver at home?
A) Delivery is safer in a health facility (clinic or hospital) where there is skilled staff and the resources to handle any possible complications that could arise with the mother, baby or both.
Q) Why is it important for the father to escort the mother for pregnancy check-ups?
A) We strongly recommend that the fathers do this, on at least one of the visits especially on the first one. This gives the health providers an opportunity to give information to both parents and also allows the parents to clarify any issues.
Tests such as HIV which should be done by both parents are also offered at this visit. However, if the father is not able to make it for any reason, the expecting mother should still seek medical attention.
Q) How should a couple prepare for the coming baby?
A) A baby is the most important “guest” to be ever received in any home. And in most cases the baby announces his or her arrival at least nine months before. This gives an opportunity to plan. Would-be parents ought to prepare at all levels — spiritually by praying for the baby and declaring the Word of God over him/her in the case of believers of Christ. The mind ought to be prepared by assimilating relevant information on parenting and the body through appropriate nourishment and exercise. Preparations should also be made financially and socially, including making job and career adjustments to accommodate the arrival of this lifetime guest.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is meant to provide basic and guidelines on what to do during pregnancy, it does not substitute a medical consultant. Each individual is unique and it is highly recommended that expecting parents seek medical advice, as soon as pregnancy is suspected. Complications of pregnancy are not always predictable, hence the emphasis on booking early and seeking IMMEDIATE medical attention with a registered medical provider or health institution when a pregnant woman is unwell.
(Dr Davidzoyashe Makosa — Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)
Online Reporter