Health professionals urge expectant mothers to attend antenatal clinics

Health professionals across Ghana are intensifying their calls for expectant mothers to prioritize regular antenatal clinic visits to combat the country’s persistently high maternal mortality rates. This appeal comes as medical experts highlight the critical role of routine medical examinations in detecting potential complications early and ensuring the safety of both mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth.

Ms. Mabel Osei-Owusu, a health official from Achimota Hospital, emphasized that many severe complications encountered during labor could be avoided with proper prior assessments. She noted instances where pregnant women arrived at facilities with life-threatening conditions that would have been identified and managed had they attended regular antenatal sessions. These sessions, which are provided free of charge, are essential for monitoring fetal development and the mother’s overall health status throughout the gestation period.

Beyond the medical requirements, health experts are also encouraging husbands and other family members to actively participate in the antenatal process. By accompanying expectant mothers to their clinic appointments, family members can better understand the significance of the medical advice provided and offer the necessary emotional and logistical support at home. This collaborative approach is seen as a vital step in improving maternal health outcomes and preparing households for safe delivery.

The urgency of these recommendations is underscored by data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which indicates that Ghana recorded 234 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. Medical professionals stress that increasing the uptake of antenatal care is one of the most effective strategies to lower these figures. They maintain that early preparation and consistent medical supervision remain the best defense against pregnancy-related risks in the country.