Pregnant girls and women are referred to maternity services or Midwife Obstetric Units (MOUs) in urban areas and satellite or fixed clinics in the rural areas. MOUs are birthing units run by midwives in the community for primary healthcare patients. It's advisable for expectant mothers to book their first visit to the clinic before 20 weeks or as soon as possible thereafter.
Maternal & Women's Health
Birth/Labour Services
(Service)Mothers can deliver at fixed clinics or Midwife Obstetric Units (MOUs), which are run by midwives in the community for primary healthcare patients. If complications arise during birth then they will be transferred to a hospital up the line. Mothers who are HIV positive can join the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission service.
Cervical Cancer Screening
(Service)Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in South Africa after breast cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. All women should have a Pap smear at least every 10 years, starting at age 30, and then at age 40 and 50.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Prevention and Treatment
(Service)Give your baby the best start in life – No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Menopause Care
(Service)Women who start menopause prematurely (before 45 years of age) or who are in menopause and are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, can have a gynaecological assessment and examination. Hormonal tests can be done to decide on treatment. Women can ask for counselling to decide on the best treatment option.
Post-Natal (After Birth) Health Care
(Service)Post natal services become available after the mother and her newborn have been discharged from the MOU or Clinic. This usually happens six hours after the birth if both mother and baby are in good health. Visit your nearest clinic for postnatal care within 3 days after discharge from the birthing unit.
After The Birth
Pregnancy Testing
(Service)Women and girls whose menstrual periods are one or more weeks late are advised to have a pregnancy test.
Termination of Pregnancy (TOP)
(Service)The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act No. 92 of 1996 gives all women the right to a free abortion (termination of pregnancy) at a government hospital or clinic during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Treatment for Sexual Abuse/Rape
(Service)The service is available to all women and men over the age of 14 years who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Survivors are given medical, psychological and forensic care at specialist clinics in the province. At the clinic, the survivor will be interviewed and counselled by a health worker in a private room/area.
What is Abuse?
(Public Information)|
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