3.1 Advancing maternal & prenatal health
As we saw earlier in this module, over the nine months of pregnancy numerous maternal experiences have the potential to impact fetal health outcomes. Although immature, the brain at birth has already been influenced by the environment that the growing fetus experienced. For example, teratogens, maternal stress and maternal malnourishment are some of the factors that can influence the developing brain of the fetus. Therefore, a discussion on healthy brain development must include ways to ensure pregnant women have healthy prenatal experiences. This is an important component of providing a healthy foundation for societal health and well-being.
Dr. Fraser Mustard wrote the Introduction of Early Years Study 3 and made the point that, “investing in expectant mothers and their young children is a powerful equalizer and a key tool for economic and social stability” (Mustard, 2011, p. 7). Read the following excerpt to see more of Mustard’s message explaining why paying attention to maternal and child health is fundamental for healthy societies.
John Tomaro, former director of health for the Aga Khan Foundation, describes the importance of focusing on the health and well-being of women, mothers, and children in order to effect positive changes in populations.
In the next clip, Tomaro highlights the importance of intervening early during adolescence to impact future healthy prenatal development.
Listen as Immaculate Salaon, former child and health development officer, PATH, describes the important messages pregnant women will hear when visiting the local antenatal clinic, including encouraging their spouses to bond with the baby even before birth.
Read the following executive summary that lists the WHO’s recommendations for the antenatal care of women and adolescent girls.
In the next video, Salaon describes the role of community health workers in supporting and helping women, pre- and post-pregnancy, deal with challenges and situations that impact a woman’s ability to care for her child which in turn influences the child’s development.
In Pakistan, the Aga Khan University – Human Development Programme implemented an Integrated community-based ECD parenting program that works with expectant mothers and caregivers to improve the wellbeing of young children. The program focuses on supporting and educating caregivers, monitoring the growth and development of children under three years, and improving access to pre-primary school experiences.
In your context, what programs and initiatives are addressing the health and well-being of mothers and young children?
Anayda Portela, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, emphasizes the impact of maternal health on fetal development and the importance of providing effective, community-based supports and services for women.
In the next clip, Portela highlights some of the barriers women face accessing maternal and prenatal care.
Portela says addressing maternal health and mortality as well as infant mortality requires a multi-pronged approach. What does she mean by this?
Do you agree that community participation is an integral component of health service and support programs? In what ways can community participation be included?
The following website from The World Health Organization provides current information on maternal health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
The 2010 launch of the United Nations’ Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health along with the Every Woman, Every Child global movement, shone the light on the societal benefits of investing in women’s and children’s health. Building on the achievements and momentum, the updated Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and, Adolescents’ Health (2016-2030) was launched in 2015. Review the objectives of the Global Strategy and the targets for action which are based on the SDGs.
Explore the following site for further information about the Every Woman Every Child global movement.
What is new in the updated Global Strategy?
Although much progress has been made since the 2010 launch of the initial Global Strategy, what challenges to health and wellbeing do women, children, and adolescents still face?
