Antenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. It involves regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and monitoring for warning signs such as heavy bleeding, swelling, fever, or baby movement. Early detection of problems, education on pregnancy, emotional support, and safe delivery planning are all reasons why antenatal care is important. By visiting a clinic as soon as pregnancy is confirmed, mothers can ensure their own health, the health of their baby, and prepare physically, emotionally, and medically for childbirth. Following a balanced diet, taking supplements, avoiding harmful substances, and staying hydrated are all key components of antenatal care to ensure a strong future for both mother and baby.

Dr. Kohe Alexander, a gynecologist, presents on maternal mortality and high-risk pregnancy, emphasizing the risks, causes, and solutions. Pregnancy and childbirth can be risky without proper care, with over 800 women dying daily from pregnancy-related causes, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days, reflecting the quality of healthcare systems. In Kenya, there are significant disparities in maternal mortality ratios between regions. Major causes of maternal death include severe bleeding, high blood pressure disorders, infections, unsafe abortion, and obstructed labor. Barriers to maternal health include delays in seeking care, poor transport, lack of skilled workers/equipment, poverty, and harmful cultural beliefs. Prevention strategies include antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric services, safe abortion, education, awareness, and better transport systems. High-risk pregnancies require extra monitoring and care, with risk factors including age, existing health conditions, previous complications, multiple pregnancies, poor lifestyle choices, and infections. Warning signs during pregnancy include heavy bleeding, severe headaches, swelling, high fever, blurred vision, decreased fetal movement, and severe abdominal pain. Strategies to reduce risks include antenatal care, emergency services, education, awareness, postnatal care, and skilled birth attendance. The key message is that most maternal deaths are preventable, and every woman deserves safe care before, during, and after childbirth.

Maternal mortality is a serious issue that can be prevented through various measures such as regular antenatal care, having skilled birth attendants, proper nutrition, family planning, and timely referrals in emergencies. The main causes of maternal mortality include lack of antenatal care, teenage pregnancy, poverty, long distance to health facilities, and giving birth without skilled health workers. Risk factors for maternal mortality include severe bleeding, high blood pressure, infections, unsafe abortions, and complications at delivery. It is crucial to break the stigma surrounding maternal mortality and recognize that saving mothers saves families as they are the backbone of healthy children, families, and communities. Maternal mortality is defined as a mother dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 6 weeks after delivery.

The presentation focuses on the importance of maternal health awareness, specifically during the pregnancy journey. Antenatal care and good nutrition are highlighted as crucial aspects of ensuring the health of both the mother and the growing baby. The presentation outlines the key objectives of antenatal care, essential nutrients during pregnancy, and the importance of eating well throughout each trimester. It also provides guidance on foods to limit or avoid during pregnancy. The text emphasizes the significance of education, regular check-ups, and a balanced diet in promoting a safe delivery and a healthy life for both mother and child. It encourages expectant mothers to empower themselves with knowledge, attend scheduled visits, and seek supportive care. Overall, the presentation aims to educate and empower mothers to prioritize their health and well-being during pregnancy for a positive journey into parenthood.

The presentation by Dr. Beaverly Anne focuses on raising awareness about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in communities. NCDs develop slowly and are influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common examples discussed include diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and arthritis. Diabetes can be Type 1, Type 2, or gestational, each requiring different treatments and preventive measures. Cancer can affect any organ and its treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, among others. Arthritis causes joint pain and inflammation, with lifestyle changes recommended for management. Chronic lung conditions like asthma and COPD are also discussed, with symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options outlined. The presentation emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular follow-ups, and a healthy lifestyle in preventing and managing NCDs. Contact information for further assistance is provided.

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation, with Type 1 being autoimmune and insulin-dependent, and Type 2 being lifestyle-related and the most common. Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, and prevention involves a healthy diet, exercise, and weight control. Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, with common types including breast, cervical, prostate, colon, and lung cancer. Prevention strategies include no smoking, a healthy diet, and regular screening, while treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, exercise, and avoiding carcinogens are also important. Asthma and COPD are chronic lung diseases causing breathing difficulties, with asthma often starting in childhood and triggered by allergens, while COPD is typically due to smoking or pollutants. Symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing, with management involving inhalers, avoiding smoke, vaccinations, and regular check-ups.

The text emphasizes the importance of mental health and highlights the negative consequences that can arise when it is ignored. It encourages individuals to take care of their mental health by seeking support, engaging in self-care practices, and talking to professionals. It dispels common misconceptions about mental health, such as it being a sign of weakness or only for "mad" people. The text also lists signs of mental health struggles and calls for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Overall, it emphasizes the need to prioritize mental well-being and seek help when needed.

The presentation by Faith Gichanga, a Counselling & Organizational Psychologist, focuses on raising awareness about anxiety and depression. It emphasizes that mental health is as important as physical health and that both conditions are treatable. Anxiety is described as excessive worry or nervousness, while depression is characterized by prolonged sadness that interferes with daily life. The presentation outlines signs and symptoms of both conditions and provides tips on self-care, including practicing mindfulness and gratitude. It also offers guidance on where to seek help, such as trusted individuals, support groups, or professional counselors. The final message encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health, seek help when needed, and focus on healing step by step. Contact information for counseling services is provided for further assistance.

In this presentation on Trauma and Healing Awareness by Faith Gichanga, the focus is on understanding the effects of trauma on the brain, behavior, and overall well-being. Trauma can result from various experiences like loss, violence, or rejection, leading to persistent feelings of anxiety, anger, and avoidance. The importance of creating safe spaces for healing and utilizing grounding techniques is emphasized, along with seeking professional help when needed. The presentation encourages individuals to talk about their experiences, take care of their bodies, stay connected, and learn grounding skills to aid in recovery. The ultimate goal is to learn to live without being controlled by pain and to grow from the healing process. Contact information for Flourish Counselling Services is provided for those seeking assistance in dealing with trauma.

The presentation by Dr. Kohe Alexandre focuses on the Labour and Delivery process, emphasizing the stages of early and active labour, pushing and delivery, and the delivery of the placenta. The importance of birth preparedness and complication readiness is highlighted, especially in low-resource settings where maternal and newborn deaths are preventable. Common complications and solutions are discussed, along with the power of birth preparedness planning. The role of support, environment, and pain relief options during labour are also addressed, emphasizing the need for respectful and dignified care for women during childbirth. The presentation concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding each stage of labour, empowering women to make informed choices and trusting in the body's wisdom during the birthing process.

The text outlines the stages of labor, including early labor, active labor, transition, delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta. It discusses pain management options such as breathing techniques, movement/positioning, epidural, medications, and natural coping strategies. Post-delivery care options such as induction, assisted delivery, and cesarean section are also mentioned. Possible interventions during labor, such as regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show, back pain, and pelvic pressure, are addressed. The importance of immediate skin-to-skin contact, monitoring of the mother and baby, initiation of breastfeeding, and emotional support is highlighted. The text emphasizes the signs of labor and the overall labor and delivery process, encouraging mothers to be informed about what to expect during childbirth.