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Expecting mothers face health risks in Ghor’s Dawlatyar

FEROZKOH (Pajhwok): Expecting mothers in Dawlatyar district of western Ghor province face severe health risks due to limited prenatal care, lack of awareness, and cultural barriers that prevent access to essential medical services.

They report that distance from health centers, limited awareness, and at times, family-imposed restrictions hinder their access to pregnancy-related healthcare.

Medical professionals stress that prenatal care is critical, as a mother’s body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, and the developing fetus requires close monitoring and support for healthy growth.

According to doctors, regular prenatal checkups help monitor the mother’s blood pressure, overall health and the fetus’s development.

Based on these evaluations, mothers receive vital guidance to prevent complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, and other pregnancy-related risks.

Lack of awareness

Zar Gul, a resident of Tilak village in Dawlatyar, complains about the absence of a well-equipped health clinic in her area. She says she was five months pregnant when she suffered a miscarriage due to her lack of knowledge about warning signs.

“We live far from the clinic, and no one told us what we should or shouldn’t do during pregnancy. I lost my baby because I lifted heavy water barrels,” she told Pajhwok Afghan News. “At first, I noticed light bleeding, which became heavier and eventually led to severe hemorrhaging.”

Zar Gul urges the government and aid organizations to implement awareness programs on pregnancy risk factors and establish well-equipped clinics in remote communities.

Cultural barriers to healthcare access

Anisa, a resident of Somak village, also suffered a miscarriage due to lack of awareness and being unable to access medical care.

“There’s no clinic in our village, and even if there were, our men wouldn’t let us go,” she said. “They say what are local midwives for?’ So, we’re forced to deliver our babies at home with the help of traditional birth attendants.”

Anisa experienced a miscarriage in her first pregnancy at six months due to the absence of prenatal care. Her three other children were also delivered at home by a traditional midwife.

Obstetricians call for increased awareness

Dr. Noshafarin Shahab, a gynecologist in Ghor, told Pajhwok that a major cause of maternal mortality is the lack of awareness among women regarding pregnancy complications, as well as the prevalence of home births conducted by untrained individuals.

“Women must be educated about the warning signs of pregnancy and should regularly visit doctors during pregnancy,” she said.

Dr. Shahab added, “If pregnant women experience light spotting early in pregnancy, it may not be alarming. However, heavy or abnormal bleeding requires immediate medical attention, as it could indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or premature labor.”

She emphasized that when such symptoms appear, pregnant women should consult a doctor who can prescribe rest, medication, or other necessary interventions.

Dr. Hakima Kazemi, another gynecologist in the province, echoed the importance of professional care during pregnancy.

“When pregnant women experience symptoms such as heavy bleeding, swelling of the hands, feet, or face, decreased fetal movement, severe abdominal pain, or vision problems, they must go to a health center and consult a qualified gynecologist or midwife to protect both their own health and that of their baby,” she said.

Dr. Kazemi stressed that raising awareness in remote areas, expanding access to healthcare, and providing social support for pregnant women can significantly reduce maternal and neonatal health risks.

Public health efforts underway

Sheikh Abdul Wahid Hamas, Director of Public Health in Ghor, told Pajhwok that the Ministry of Public Health has launched various programs aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare, though he did not share specific details.

“Thanks to God, the Islamic Emirate is paying serious attention to the care of mothers and children,” he said. “Healthcare services are available in all districts, and we are working to establish health centers in underserved areas’—regions that currently lack access due to long distances and difficult terrain.”

According to the Ghor Public Health Directorate, the province currently has 91 health centers and more than 50 health posts. These facilities are responsible for providing maternal healthcare services throughout the province.

sa/ma

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