Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg, North West has appealed to pregnant women attending its Maternity High Risk Clinic to strictly adhere to scheduled appointments, warning that missed visits could place both mothers and babies at risk of serious health complications.
The hospital said the clinic provides specialised care for women whose pregnancies are considered high risk due to medical conditions or pregnancy related complications. These include hypertension, diabetes, previous pregnancy complications, multiple pregnancies, advanced maternal age, anaemia and other conditions requiring close medical supervision.
According to the hospital, regular attendance enables healthcare professionals to monitor pregnancies closely, detect complications early and intervene before conditions become life threatening.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Eva Basetsana Mogorosi said adherence to clinic appointments is critical in protecting the lives of mothers and newborns.
“The Maternity High Risk Clinic plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of mothers and babies. Adherence to scheduled appointments enables our healthcare teams to identify risks early, provide specialized care, and prevent avoidable complications,” said Mogorosi.
Hospital officials warned that women who fail to attend scheduled appointments face an increased risk of complications, including severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, premature birth, low birth weight, restricted foetal growth, maternal and neonatal infections, emergency obstetric complications, stillbirth and neonatal mortality.
The facility noted that missed appointments can also result in patients losing valuable opportunities to receive specialist assessments, diagnostic investigations, treatment adjustments and counselling services that are essential for managing high risk pregnancies.
Mogorosi urged women who have been referred to the High Risk Clinic to keep all appointments, follow prescribed treatment plans and seek immediate medical attention if they experience warning signs.
The hospital listed severe headaches, blurred vision, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, reduced foetal movements, swelling of the face and hands, and difficulty breathing among symptoms that require urgent medical evaluation.
Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital further called on families and support networks to assist pregnant women in attending appointments and complying with medical advice throughout their pregnancies.
“Every appointment matters. Early intervention saves lives,” Mogorosi said.
The hospital said it remains committed to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes through quality clinical care, patient education and community awareness programmes aimed at reducing preventable pregnancy related complications.