DOHA: Prevalence of anaemia, gestational diabetes and thyroid problems are common among pregnant women in Qatar, according to a senior official.
Among pregnant women who visited primary healthcare centres in 2012 the most common complications seen was, 26 percent with anaemia followed by 3.8 percent with gestational diabetes and 1.2 percent with thyroid problems, Dr Jumana Al Abuwani, Manager of Maternal and Child Health, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) said in an email interview.
In 2012, the total number of antenatal visits was 25,872. An average of 2,156 pregnant mothers was seen at all primary health centres on a monthly basis with an average of 98 per day.
However, only one third of pregnant mothers visit antenatal clinics in the first trimester of their pregnancy.
“It is very important for the pregnant woman to attend as early as she suspects pregnancy, as during this visit the woman is assessed for any risks affecting her or the baby; she is screened for a set of medical conditions and infections and is given supplements to optimise her own and her baby’s health,” said Al Abuwani.
PHCC has set plans to standardise the antenatal care services at primary health centres for pregnant mothers with low risks and with common medical conditions. This will include postnatal care as well.
“During this visit the client will be assessed for her physical and mental well- being, this is based on international recommendations and evidence based best practice,” said Al Abuwani.
PHCC recently set number of clinical guidelines that help support physicians at primary health centres on making decisions on if there is any urgent condition to refer pregnant mothers to the Women’s Hospital. Commonly pregnant mothers are referred to the Women’s Hospital or to the nearest obstetrics hospital at her 32nd week of pregnancy.
The PHCC also has plans to organize the referrals made from primary health care centers to the Women’s Hospital.
“PHCC is also currently working with other relevant stakeholders to further organize referrals of pregnant women to secondary and tertiary levels of care, depending on their needs (mother and fetus), proximity to the hospital and capacity of receiving facility,” said Al Abuwani.
The Peninsula
