STELLA T
Health experts in Rukungiri District have called on expectant mothers to prioritize antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy, emphasizing its importance in ensuring safe deliveries and reducing complications—especially during the ongoing dry season.
The Rukungiri District Health Educator, Aliban Natukunda, highlighted that regular ANC attendance is one of the most effective ways to improve maternal and child health outcomes. He emphasized that women who attend the recommended eight ANC visits are more likely to deliver safely under the supervision of skilled health professionals.
According to Natukunda, ANC sessions serve as a critical platform for educating mothers on various aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. These include information on fetal development, nutrition, birth preparedness, and the identification of danger signs. The sessions also provide essential health services such as screenings, immunizations, HIV testing, malaria prevention, and family planning counselling.
He further encouraged pregnant women to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and take preventive measures against diseases by sleeping under treated mosquito nets. He also urged them to regularly visit health facilities for guidance and early detection of complications.
Natukunda called upon men to play a supportive role in caring for their pregnant partners, noting that shared responsibility can significantly reduce stress during pregnancy. He also warned against the consumption of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy, citing the risk of premature birth and other complications.
The health educator’s appeal comes at a time when the district is intensifying efforts to reduce maternal mortality and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
