Gauteng health urges early antenatal care for safe pregnancy

Recent data from the department shows that of the 200,000 pregnant women in 2024, over 60,000 attended antenatal after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with some at a much later stage. 

The department's spokesperson, Motaletale Modiba, said it is risky for an expectant mother to not attend antenatal care on time as they would not be equipped and educated on danger signs in pregnancy.

“While a good 164 994 presented earlier or before 20 weeks, it is still concerning that there were over 60 000 pregnant women who could only be checked late by midwives or doctors for health conditions affecting both the mother and baby such as infections and abnormalities in pregnancy. This is due to the late visits to health facilities.”

Modiba said it is very risky for an expectant mother not to receive antenatal care on time.

“Antenatal care helps with the detection of abnormalities in pregnancy like hypertension, anemia and diabetes, as well as abnormalities with the foetus, which allows the mother to decide if she continues with the pregnancy.”

“It also helps with the diagnosis of infections like syphilis and allows enough time for completion of treatment which decreases the risk of stillbirths and neonatal death due to congenital syphilis.”

Modiba said it is also important that expectant mothers attend ANC early or as soon as they miss their period to ensure that they get tested early for HIV. Pregnant women who are diagnosed with HIV are immediately initiated on treatment which assists with viral load suppression, reducing the risk of vertical transmission of HIV infection.

“The counseling that is given during the ANC services also warns against drinking and smoking while pregnant as this leads to conditions such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate,” Modiba said.

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