Conversations about mental well-being have shifted over the years, with people more open to discussing it, but perinatal mental health is still often overlooked. Perinatal mental health problems occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of…
Pamela Madonsela spoke to a Cape Town-based doula who experienced obstetric violence before embarking on her journey of offering a better birthing experience to other moms. “If I had known back then what obstetric violence was, I would have acted.…
Young girls and women in SA between 15 and 24 continue to be most at risk of HIV, yet access to preventative measures and support remains low. According to UNAIDS, young women in sub-Saharan Africa are twice as likely to become infected with…
Given that at least 15% of SA couples experience fertility problems, experts give the lowdown on egg donors and what the process entails. They also debunk some common myths surrounding fertility and the donation of eggs. Based on 2020 data,…
What was supposed to be a joyful birth experience, soon turned into a nightmare for a grandmother who had to bury her daughter and her granddaughter. When Maggie Mphahlele started experiencing labour pains on the night of March 10 this…
Millions of South African school girls have to contend with their monthly periods without having any access to sanitary products. Making their lives even more difficult, is the prevalence of stigmas which only worsen period poverty – a huge problem…
Access to healthcare, treatment for HIV/Aids, and support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) remains a struggle for South African women. This is as International Day of Action for Women’s Health is marked. This year’s theme is #WomensHealthMatters. Shalen Gajadhar, the…
COVID-19 vaccinations are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This is the finding of Wits University scientists who recently reviewed the effect of the vaccine during pregnancy. The narrative review by scientists identified no major safety concerns in the use…
The possible overturning of a law that protects a woman’s right to abortion in the United States, might not have legal implications for South Africa but there are concerns it could impact funding for various health programmes in the country.…
Sara E Casey, Columbia University A leaked draft of a majority opinion of the US Supreme Court has revealed the court’s leaning towards undoing its 1973 landmark ruling (Roe v Wade) which gave women in the US a constitutional right…
A Free State family has vowed to seek justice after their baby granddaughter died, due to alleged medical negligence, at a local hospital. Seventeen and eight months pregnant, the young mom-to-be was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her baby girl.…
An expert believes that South Africa’s low rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) will remain a concern until new mothers are offered more support and education. Katinka Lategan, a certified lactation consultant, said mothers face several challenges because they are not…
South African women will have to wait before laying their hands on the newly-approved dapivirine vaginal ring (DPV-VR – while the National Department of Health assesses the effectiveness of the HIV prevention device. Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson, Foster Mohale,…
An expert in reproductive health has given women peace of mind as myths continue to do the rounds during the ongoing pandemic – the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle. Professor Helen Rees, head of the Reproductive Health and…
The Health Department and sexual and reproductive health NGOs are urging South Africans to use condoms to avoid contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). South Africa is marking STI/Condom Week which highlights the importance of condom usage and also educates people…