Foetal well-being in primigravid patients in a multicultural community
Date
2014-05-19
Authors
Lester, Barbara-Ann
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Abstract
The introduction of free mother and child services in
South Africa in 1994, changed the way in which the
services were delivered. There was an increase in the
number of women seeking services, therefore a need
arose to look at what constituted essential, basic
services.
The introduction of the maternal held card in State
hospitals enabled the women to seek ante-natal care
at the venue most accessible to her. This document
also involved her in the responsibility of her own
care and that of her unborn child.
This study explored the information which mothers had
been given ante-natally to assist them with the task
of bearing the responsibility of their unborn child's
health, which they had unilaterally been given by the
Healthcare providers.
A descriptive study was undertaken and 221
primigravid patients were interviewed at a large
academic hospital post-delivery using a structured
interview schedule. Their records were also reviewed
retrospectively for type of delivery and foetal
outcome.
Results of the studies found that the mothers were
given insufficient information to equip them with
responsibility of assessing foetal health. Healthcare
providers, it was found, did not give specific
information and it appeared that at times, the
mothers report of decreased foetal movement was
disregarded.
Implications of the study are that healthcare
providers need to pay attention to how they provide
information.
The women interviewed clearly made the distinction
between what was seen as 'teaching' and what was
perceived as information given. It is also important
to note that although the health workers understand
the implications of foetal well-being, patients do
not necessarily share the same insight or sense of
responsibility. This has implications for the
delivery of antenatal services in South Africa.