Cape Town: Teenage pregnancies have remained a growing concern for the city. In 2025, 22,097 women accessed City Health facilities for basic antenatal care.
Reportedly, almost 1,230 teenagers under the age of 18, which is a 1.2% increase from the previous year, are part of it. Considering this, the country marks Pregnancy Awareness Week, when City Health reminds the public that care and advice is available to all.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that this increase in teenage pregnancies forms part of a trend that has been observed over the past few years. These pregnancies can be at higher risk for medical complications and have a significant socio-economic impact for both the mothers and their families.
According to Higham, the City Health facilities offer Adolescent and Youth-Friendly services to encourage teenagers who are sexually active to access contraceptive services. There are several contraceptive choices available at all clinics. Clients of all ages can ask about and discuss their options with a healthcare professional.
Over the past three years, City Health has seen a slight reduction in the number of pregnant women who present for a first antenatal care visit after 20 weeks in their pregnancy.
Although this is an encouraging trend. Early antenatal booking, before the 20-week mark, is crucial to improve the chances of a smooth pregnancy with a successful outcome.
At antenatal care visits, the clinician will check important markers for both maternal and foetal wellbeing, such as blood pressure, urine dipstick, maternal weight and uterine fundal measurements. Early detection and appropriate intervention greatly improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Pregnant mothers should focus on making healthy food choices as much as they are able to, and to avoid the use of substances such as tobacco and alcohol that can be harmful to the development of their child.
There is a growing body of research showing that poor mental health during pregnancy can have an impact on both mom and baby later in life. Pregnant women should access support if needed, whether in their communities and own support networks or through professional care.
They are also encouraged to discuss HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and postpartum contraceptive choices with their clinicians, who can advise them about available options that are most suitable to them.
Where possible, partners of expecting women are also encouraged to attend these visits. City Health encourages all expecting mothers to register for basic antenatal care at their nearest facility as soon as they become aware that they are pregnant.