BUNTIS CONGRESS 2019 AT NDH
By: Marjorie Ann Ramiscal-Lucero Photo By: GPC-PHO Date: May 31, 2019
A pregnant woman undergoes a prenatal exam as part of the medical services during the Buntis Congress in Naguilian, La Union on May 31, 2019.
Naguilian District Hospital (NDH) headed by Dr. Eleanor G. Dacanay, Chief of Hospital, with the support of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) Obstetrics and Gynecology team, joined forces to keep the expectant mothers well-informed on safe motherhood and survival during their pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum during the Buntis Congress in Naguilian, La Union on May 31,2019. A total of 101 pregnant women attended said event.
Aiming to reduce child mortality, different lecturers shared their knowledge and expertise on the dos and don’ts of pregnant moms. Importance of prenatal and postnatal visits, proper nutrition in pregnancy, benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, and the dangers and complications during pregnancy were some of the topics discussed.
Mrs. Rosario Borgonia, Nurse II of NDH shared what a mother should do before, during, and after pregnancy while Dr. Cherrymae Belarmino, Medical Specialist I of NDH, highlighted the medical complications that might occur during pregnancy. Examples include hypertension which can lead to Pre-Eclampsia; Diabetes Mellitus that can make babies big inside the womb; Hyperthyroidism or enlargement of the thyroid glands; and Asthma which is accompanied by difficulty in breathing.
Furthermore, Dr. Cinderella P. Florendo, Medical Specialist III of NDH, also advised about the disadvantages of Teenage Pregnancy. She emphasized that there is a higher chance for teenage moms to be at high risk in their pregnancy and might lead to premature births.
Mr. Marc Christian Figuracion, Social Insurance Assistant from Philhealth Regional Office also presents an array of benefits by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to help the pregnant women be aware of their rights as a beneficiary. Mr. Figuracion ensured that there are benefits of PhilHealth for the mother and baby depending on the medical condition and surgical procedure.
During the event, medical services were provided to the soon-to-be mothers like prenatal examination, laboratory, dental, bone-scan, and pharmacy services. Buntis kits were also distributed to help these mothers prepare the needed stuff upon delivery of their child.
Aside from the lectures and medical services provided by our experts, part of the program is the Zumba for everyone to remind the pregnant women that exercise is vital to their health. Afterwards, a pageant was held for the pregnant women called “Buntis Got Talent” wherein 8 contestants showcased their gifts in the talent portion and Question-and-Answer portion.
Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III, through Mr. Justo H. Orros III, Executive Assistant IV of the Office of the Provincial Governor, extended his warmest regards to the facilitators and to all pregnant women which are dubbed as the “Ilaw ng Tahanan.” Gov. Pacoy gave recognition to the expectant mothers that their pregnancy alone is a testament of their nourishing love for their family. And the day of their delivery will symbolize the ultimate sacrifice of every mom - that they will stand every pain just to make sure that their children are safe.#
The pregnant women who participated in the Buntis Congress are from Naguilian, Bauang, Burgos, and Bagulin, La Union which are all catchment areas of NDH.
