Antenatal care is widely recognised as one of the most important steps in ensuring healthy pregnancies and safe childbirth. Health professionals emphasise that regular care during pregnancy significantly improves outcomes for both mothers and babies.
WHY ANTENATAL CARE IS IMPORTANT
- Monitors the health of the mother and the growth of the baby
- Detects problems early, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia and infections
- Provides guidance on healthy eating, supplements and vaccinations
- Prepares mothers for safe delivery and childbirth
- Teaches warning signs during pregnancy and when to seek help
- Offers emotional support and reassurance throughout pregnancy
Skipping antenatal care increases the risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth, low birth weight and illness for both mother and baby.
Beyond physical health, antenatal care provides emotional support and reassurance for pregnant women. Regular contact with healthcare workers helps reduce anxiety, encourages informed decision-making, and strengthens trust in health services.
RISKS OF NOT ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE
- Pregnancy complications may go undetected until they become life-threatening
- Increased risk of premature labour
- Higher likelihood of low birth weight babies
- Greater risk of maternal illness or death
- Increased risk of new-born illness or death
- Missed opportunities to prevent, detect, or manage health conditions during pregnancy
- Possible long-term effects on a child’s growth and development
Despite its proven benefits, many women around the world are still struggle to access antenatal services due to long distances to healthcare facilities, higher costs burden (for transport and service fees) and lack of awareness.
Likewise, quite a number of women in the country also struggle to access ANC services and that is heavily due to; the cultural act of hiding pregnancy, the physical journey and long distance to healthcare facilities, critical shortages of midwives and lack of social support.
To ensure that women access ANC services, the ministry of health has tried to scale up rural health motivators (RHMs) who go door-to door to identify pregnant women and refer them to their nearest clinics.
Health officials around the world also stress that investing in accessible and quality antenatal care is essential for improving maternal and newborn health and building healthier communities.
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Overall, antenatal care is a vital foundation for safe pregnancies and healthy births. Its benefits extend beyond medical check-ups, offering education, emotional support, and early intervention that can save lives.
Failing to access antenatal care increases the risk of preventable complications for both mother and child. Strengthening awareness, access and quality of antenatal services is therefore essential to improving maternal and newborn health and ensuring stronger, healthier communities.
Ekuphileni Clinic offers comprehensive antenatal care (ANC) services to support mothers throughout pregnancy. Our ANC services include routine check-ups, health education, screening, and monitoring to ensure the wellbeing of both mother and baby in a safe and professional environment.
Visit us at SMVAF Office Park, Mbabane, or contact us to book your screening appointment on 7602 3380 or 2408 9500.
