Twenty-three pregnant women from across 19 barangays of Sagada benefited from a fun and knowledge-filled “Buntis Congress” held July 21 at the municipal conference hall. One among several services, the congress aimed to provide adequate knowledge necessary during their pregnancies as well as newborn care. Among the attendees was an 18-year-old soon-to-be mother, along with more women in their 30s. The eldest was 39 years old, experiencing her first pregnancy. In all, 58 pregnant women are currently being monitored in the municipality.

Healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries depend on early and regular prenatal care, proper nutrition, vaccination, awareness of danger signs, and skilled facility-based delivery. RHUs in the Philippines provide free prenatal services, vaccines, and education to ensure mothers and babies are protected.

Drs. Oliver Umhao, Geovy Rose Aborque, and Geraldine Alangui, key medical personnel of the RHU, shared the five essential areas of knowledge to promote healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.

For prenatal care, early and regular check-ups are crucial. Upon confirmation of pregnancy until the 12th week, pregnant mothers should have their first consultation. Subsequent consultations are on the 20th week, 26th week, 30th week, 34th week, 36th week, 38th week, and 40th week. More consultations are done at two-week intervals during the last trimester. During these check-ups, blood pressure, weight, and fetal heart rates are monitored. Screenings and tests such as CBC and urinalysis are also done. If needed, they are referred to hospitals with better equipment such as ultrasound machines. Vaccinations against tetanus are given at identified check-up schedules.

Barangay health workers (BHWs) and midwives support pregnant women in their communities by providing education on nutrition needs. Supplemental vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium are also given. The health workers emphasize proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to ensure maternal and fetal health and safety. Proper exercise and rest are also necessary. For the duration of pregnancy, alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided. All 19 barangays have their own health service centers staffed by at least one nurse or midwife and BHWs.

Attendees were also told to look out for danger signs that may require immediate medical attention. Dr. Geovy Aborque explained that severe headaches, blurred vision, and swelling—especially in the legs—are signs of possible preeclampsia. Other danger signs include severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, slower or no fetal movement (especially from the 28th week onwards), difficulty in breathing, and chest pain.

The period of delivery is equally important. Mothers were encouraged to predetermine which facility they shall give birth in. They must be aware of the existing safe obstetric care in their areas such as birthing clinics and hospitals. This way, childbirth is done by knowledgeable healthcare specialists in sterile conditions to avoid possible infections.

After childbirth, maternal and newborn care are equally important. Dr. Aborque emphasized that bleeding, blood pressure, and emotional health of the mother should be monitored. For newborns, it is essential to breastfeed within an hour of delivery. Newborn screening and vaccinations such as BCG and Hepatitis B are also given. Part of the education for postpartum care is providing options for contraception. Aborque reminded the women that the first 1,000 days of life are crucial for the brain, body, and immune system development of the child.

Various games were held to make the activity interactive, with winners receiving prizes such as one tray of eggs for nutrition. Each expectant mother received hygiene kits from the RHU and LGU. Reflections and anecdotes were shared that delved into women’s experiences of difficult and easy deliveries. This shows that each pregnancy is different and thus the need for regular check-ups. Remember, most maternal deaths are due to hemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive disorders, as well as poor prenatal care, unsafe deliveries, and absence of tetanus vaccination. In the context of Sagada, it is important for mothers to enroll in PhilHealth and other packages such as YAKAP and GAMOT to reduce hospital and post-delivery expenses. It is also important that working mothers know their maternity leave rights, such as 105 days under Republic Act 11210. Those enrolled in the Social Security System, GSIS, or other healthcare insurances should also be aware of benefit processing. These significantly reduce the high cost of deliveries and hospitalization.