Dr. Maria Victoria Tan, POGS public relations officer, discusses preparations for the ‘Buntis Day’ on March 10. CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA
The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) is preparing for the celebration of Buntis (pregnancy) Day on March 10.
The theme this year is “Kabantugan ug pag-unong sa inahan: Taytayan sa maayong kaugmaon.”
A forum and belly dancing activity will be held at the Ayala Center Cebu.
In a press conference yesterday, POGS said the day will be dedicated to pregnant mothers and aims to educate them about healthy practices during pregnancy.
The organization observed an increasing number of morbidity cases or illnesses involving pregnant women in the country.
Dr. Charisse Tan, POGS regional director, said this trend was alarming and that they would double their efforts to help find solutions.
The most common causes of morbidity include hemorrhaging and hypertension.
Teenage pregnancy also contributed to the increasing number of cases.
She said most teenage mothers have complications during child birth.
Tan said pregnant women should have pre-natal care from a qualified health care provider to avoid pregnancy-related illnesses and deaths.
Dr. Ma.Virginia Abalos, president of POGS Cebu, said one of the causes of growing morbidity rates is the practice of women giving birth at home instead of at health centers or hospitals. “We need to educate them,” Abalos said.
POGS has registered 470 pregnant mothers to participate in the event, which is free of charge.