Accra: Ms. Abigail Esinam Apau, a Senior Midwifery Officer, has sparked a conversation by challenging the often-posed question, 'What do women bring to the table?', asserting that women are indeed the cornerstone of family structures.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Apau emphasized that women's contributions extend far beyond what is typically recognized, as they are responsible for nurturing life and ensuring the survival of families and society. During an antenatal education session focused on preeclampsia and neonatal jaundice, she highlighted the physical, emotional, and health risks inherent in childbirth, which underscore the significant value women provide.
Ms. Apau elaborated on the contributions of women, highlighting the risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to full term and childbirth as substantial contributions to the 'table.' Women, she noted, endure sacrifices involving their bodies, mental health, and emotions, exposing themselves to conditions like high blood pressure and other health risks, including death.
Moreover, pregnant women are often prescribed special medications from conception until birth to safeguard both themselves and their babies. Ms. Apau emphasized that these sacrifices should not be diminished by men, as they cannot experience the process of pregnancy and childbirth.
She explained that the development of high blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy, known as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) or preeclampsia, may not be resolved until after childbirth and can sometimes lead to chronic hypertension. Expectant mothers with PIH are placed on blood pressure medication to manage the condition, although it may worsen as the pregnancy progresses.
Ms. Apau stressed the importance of regular antenatal visits, where midwives can educate and monitor the health of pregnant women. This proactive approach helps in administering timely medication and treatment to prevent miscarriages or the loss of both mother and child.
Discussing neonatal jaundice, she informed the pregnant women that those with sickle cell conditions or low haemoglobin levels are at higher risk of having jaundiced babies. Ms. Apau highlighted the significance of adhering to prescribed iron and folic acid supplements to maintain high haemoglobin levels during pregnancy.
She further advised expectant mothers to maintain a healthy diet, sleep under treated mosquito nets, and practice good hygiene for a safe pregnancy journey. In conclusion, Midwife Apau encouraged women to appreciate their vital role in building a home, asserting that they are the mainstay of the household, deserving of respect and support from their partners.