In our near-ending celebration of the National Women’s Month with the campaign “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”, aside from its general theme on women empowerment and gender equality, this month gives much emphasis to women’s participation in battling the pandemic which poses both challenges and opportunities for women.
Pregnant women, coined as among the strongest women, are also one of the vulnerables in the community, especially in emergencies and disease outbreaks. Relevant now in the midst of the pandemic, these women are one of the most at-risk due to their special nutritional and health requirements for bodily functions and immunity. It should also be accounted that the rate of pregnancy increased during lockdown due to inaccessibility to contraceptives.
Prior to pregnancy, women should attain a normal weight to decrease risk of complications such as gestational diabetes among many others. This is why it is best to practice family planning for the mother to prepare for pregnancy.
By the time of pregnancy, women should have at least four prenatal visits to ensure both mother and child’s health. Considering the pandemic and the vulnerability of pregnant women to start with, it is best to have an online or over-the-phone check-up, to eliminate the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. If this can’t be the case, a prenatal visit should be scheduled ensuring one’s check-up, and following safety protocols. Besides pregnancy concerns and findings, the doctor or midwife will advise good practices such as taking iron-folic acid supplementation during the course of the pregnancy. In health centers, these supplements are given for free, other than vaccines that are also beneficial in gestation.
Aside from iron and folic acid that are important in pregnant mothers, other nutrients such as iodine, calcium, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and protein. The best way to get these is through consuming a wide variety of foods in balance; and increasing food intake provides enough nutrient requirements for a mother and her developing fetus. Other important practices are getting adequate sleep and doing physical activities that are advised by a practitioner.
Now of all times, pregnant women (and those who are planning to be one) should practice these steps to achieve safe and healthy gestation. Safe and healthy gestation produces safe and healthy babies, and safe and healthy babies bring out happy mothers. And with happy mothers, this month’s celebration of women empowerment has been given honor. (PNC NADELA/OIC-NPC Flores)
