The City of Cape Town’s Health Department offers various primary health care programmes to assist and support mothers-to-be during pregnancy. With these programmes the City would like to educate the public at large, and increase awareness about pregnancy week and the benefits of proper care during pregnancy
The basic ante-natal care ( BANC) programme aims to register pregnant women and forms an integral part of primary health care.
The City’s Health Department offers free health services for pregnant women, including identifying potential risk factors and complications, the appropriate management thereof, and general health and wellness education.
The City’s Health Department recorded 47 777 BANC visitations to clinics during the past two financial years 2020 -2022. Participation in the BANC programme decreased by 7,4% over the past two years.
‘Ante-natal care is designed to ensure the best possible outcome for pregnant women and their unborn babies. It is for this reason that women are encouraged to attend the clinic for ante-natal care as soon as they find out that they are pregnant, preferably before they reach the 14th week of their pregnancy. In addition, the support pregnant women receive during pregnancy from their loved ones is equally important. So, do bring along your partner or a close relative or friend to your antenatal visits,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
All expectant women should try and attend at least eight BANC visits (pregnancy check-ups).
At the ante-natal care visits:
• Healthcare workers will check blood pressure, test urine and the mom-to-be’s weight. Blood tests also form part of the precautionary health check , which includes a test for Syphilis and HIV.
• The baby’s movements and growth will be monitored and, depending on the stage of the pregnancy, an ultrasound will be done.
• Any health problems that are detected will be treated, including STIs.
Among the danger signs and symptoms linked to pregnancy to be aware of are:
• Severe headache
• Abdominal pain (not discomfort)
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding, irrespective of the amount
• Reduced foetal movements
Expectant mothers are also reminded that a healthy diet and exercise, personal hygiene and breast care are paramount. It’s also important to be aware that self-medication may harm the baby; however expectant mothers should continue taking medications prescribed by their clinician, including antiretroviral treatment.
More information on pregnancy care can be found at https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family and home/Personal-health/pregnancy-and-family-planning/Care-during-pregnancy
Source: City Of Cape Town