Maternal mortality is among the leading cause of death in women of reproductive age. Every year, 2,400 women and girls die in the Philippines due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth according to UNFPA (Philippines).
The second week of May of every year is safe motherhood week under Presidential Proclamation No. 200 signed in 2002. This is the country’s initiative to create public awareness and promote maternal health and nutrition. The celebration is also a reminder to all mothers of their role for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery of their child.
It is important before conception to attain normal weight and during gestation, it is best to increase food intake, use iodized salt and have adequate rest to minimize the risk of pregnancy complications. Pregnant women can also access maternal health care services. The Ante Natal Care encourages having at least 4 prenatal visits for preventive and promotive health interventions. They are also given complete iron and folic acid supplementation for 180 days. Pregnant women are encouraged to attend the Buntis Class or nutrition education and counselling led by health workers to know the significance of the First 1000 days or the golden window of opportunity that provides lifelong optimum health and nutrition for their future babies.
Further, pregnant women are required to give birth in a health facility assisted by a trained health worker to make sure both mother and baby are properly cared before, during and after birth. Immediately after a mother gives birth, it is encouraged to practice the First Embrace or Unang Yakap to ensure skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby. Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and continue exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months for the baby’s optimum nutrition.
Moreover, the new mother needs to regain strength and maintain their health for them to take care of their new baby. The postpartum period is a phase of adjustment and healing for mothers. Post-partum care is essential to avoid the risk of serious and life-threatening health complications in the days and weeks after giving birth. Post-partum visits, Vitamin A supplementation and breastfeeding counselling and support are recommended.
All mothers have the right to high-quality care before, during, and after childbirth. The National Nutrition Council together with the different participating agencies, organizations and other sectors join the campaign for safe motherhood week to promote and support good maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy and lactation. (NOILaurito/OIC-NPCFlores)
