–Urges pregnant women to seek regular medicalattention
By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA – The Reproductive Health Department of the Nimba County Health Team is urging pregnant women to prioritize regular Antenatal Care (ANC) visits to ensure safer pregnancies and deliveries.
Speaking on Radio Nimba late Thursday, the team—comprising County Reproductive Health Supervisor Irene Brooks, District Reproductive Health Supervisor Yassah Tokpa, and County Reproductive Officer Priscilla Mabiah—emphasized that ANC plays a critical role in detecting and managing pregnancy-related complications.
Why Antenatal Care Matters
Antenatal care involves regular medical check-ups that monitor the health of both mother and baby, identify risks, and provide essential guidance for a healthy pregnancy. Key benefits include: Early detection of complications – Conditions like anemia, hypertension, and infections can be treated promptly, reducing risks to mother and child.
Essential screenings – Blood tests, urine analyses, and ultrasounds help track fetal development and maternal health. Nutritional and lifestyle guidance – Mothers receive advice on proper diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco, which can lead to birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome.
– Preparation for childbirth – ANC educates women on labor, delivery, and postpartum care, improving outcomes.
The team warned that delaying or avoiding ANC increases the likelihood of severe complications, including: Maternal and neonatal mortality due to undiagnosed conditions like preeclampsia or untreated infections. -Disabilities in newborns, such as congenital syphilis (which can cause blindness and cognitive impairments). Uncontrolled HIV transmission – Early ANC ensures HIV-positive mothers receive treatment, drastically reducing the risk of passing the virus to their babies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least eight ANC visits during pregnancy. Pregnant women in Nimba County can access these services at local clinics and Community Health Centers, where they will also receive vital supplements like iron, folic acid, and calcium gluconate to support fetal development and prevent neurological disorders.
“Attending ANC early—ideally as soon as a woman misses her period—can save lives,” the team stressed. “We urge all expectant mothers to take this crucial step for their health and their baby’s future.”
