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A LOCAL non-governmental organisation has urged expecting mothers to prioritise their mental health to avoid postpartum challenges.
Postpartum are mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty in sleeping, within the first two to three days, after a new mother gives birth.
These can last for up to two weeks. Speaking during a support group Indaba, Linos Muvhu, leader of the Society for Pre-and-Post Natal Services (SPANS), said mental health is an important aspect in every pregnant woman.
The challenges are likely to be high during pregnancy, hence mental health should be taken seriously.
“This is an aspect that needs to be checked constantly because it has serious effects, if not monitored. Pregnant women face depression and anxiety very often during this period and, if not attended to, this can develop into mental health challenges,” said Muvhu.
“Therefore, I urge you all to be vigilant and continuously monitor your mental health during this period.”
He said it was important for expecting mothers to be educated about what accompanies pregnancy before and after child birth.
“For some people, there are worries that lie ahead.
“Maybe, they did not plan for the baby or childbirth, so it becomes a challenge that will end up affecting their mental health.
“So, it becomes helpful if they gather and share their problems at the same time providing solutions,” he said.
Muvhu said it was one of their objectives to continuously educate women about their mental health.
The organisation is situated at Ruwa Clinic, and it provides mental health sessions for free, in a bid to accommodate everyone. Chipo Taruvinga, one of the expecting mothers who attended the event, said:
“This was helpful; you are able to share your experiences without anyone judging you.
“The moment you speak out, you feel less burdened and have a new take on life.
“This is my first pregnancy and I was facing a lot of changes that I was not coping so well with.”
Another expecting mother, Mavis Manongwa, said:
“This type of health check is not done in clinics or hospitals unless you have your own gynaecologist.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter