Bethe Receives Important information about Prenatal Care!

Prenatal care is extremely important in all countries but especially in the developing world. Here Vespa, our clinical officer in Rota Kenya, is counseling Bethe on prenatal needs. Without adequate nutrition, infants are far more likely to be born prematurely or under weight. This in turn makes them more likely to have difficulty perinatally such as trouble breathing or eating. In an area with limited healthcare things such as this which simply need a little TLC in the US can mean certain death in the first few days of life in Kenya. Furthermore, not getting prenatal vitamins can predispose infants to other issues such as spina bifida which can be devastating later on causing problems with walking and incontinence; this can prevent the person from earning a living or even ostracize them from their community.

Vespa gives expecting mothers prenatal vitamins with folate to prevent birth defects and also counsels them on good prenatal nutrition.  She then monitors them during their pregnancy to ensure good weight gain and if issues are found discusses them with the community health workers to help find ways to support their nutrition through village contributions. Elizabeth, your generous support makes this possible. Thank you so much for the care you have provided to Bethe and other mothers like her!