World Health Day, celebrated on April 7, 2025, will be held under the slogan "A healthy start to life – a guarantee of a prosperous future."
Governments and the global health community are urged to intensify efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and infant mortality and to prioritize the health and well-being of women in general.
The crucial task is to ensure the survival and thriving of every woman and every infant.
Women and their families worldwide need high-quality care and physical and emotional support before, during, and after childbirth.
Addressing the numerous health challenges faced by mothers and newborns requires health systems to consider not only immediate complications of pregnancy and childbirth but also mental health disorders, non-communicable diseases, and family planning issues.
During pregnancy, WHO recommends:
visiting a healthcare facility as soon as possible after confirming pregnancy. Check-ups help monitor the health of the pregnant woman and the development of the fetus, identifying potential complications;
undergoing all necessary diagnostic tests to track fetal development. These should not be neglected even if feeling well, as not all pathologies manifest with obvious symptoms;
to reduce possible risks, a healthy lifestyle is recommended:
- abstain from tobacco and psychoactive substances,
- maintain physical activity,
- get recommended vaccinations,
- sleep on your side,
- consult a specialist about existing chronic diseases and seek help if any concerns arise.
The first perceptible fetal movements usually begin between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If movements become less active, stop, or become too intense, seek help immediately.
Every woman has the right to a safe and positive pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period in an environment of dignity and respect; to have a support person of her choice present; and to receive clear information from healthcare providers.
After childbirth, a woman experiences a range of changes affecting her physical and emotional state, which can cause fear and uncertainty. Therefore, it is helpful to understand what may happen after childbirth:
Physical recovery: Many women experience bleeding, cramping, other discomforts, and weakness. In the first few weeks, it is recommended to rest as much as possible, avoid overexertion, and seek help with newborn care methods;
Emotional changes: In the first few days after childbirth, many women experience a variety of emotions, including feeling down and having a low mood. These are due to hormonal changes. If these feelings cause significant discomfort and/or last longer than two weeks, consult a specialist. Postpartum depression or anxiety disorders affect nearly one in five women. A rarer but extremely dangerous disorder is postpartum psychosis, characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and rapid mood swings. This condition is an emergency and requires immediate medical intervention;
Bonding between mother and child: Hold your baby often, ensuring skin-to-skin contact; this helps establish an emotional connection with the newborn and stabilize their body temperature and heart rate;
Postpartum check-ups: To monitor your body's recovery process and address any emerging issues, it is recommended to attend all scheduled postpartum check-ups;
The beginning of life with a child is a special, but often challenging and emotionally intense period.
Recommendations for raising a healthy baby:
Follow the baby's medical check-up schedule. Schedule and do not miss all recommended visits to medical facilities for newborns to monitor their growth and development. Such visits allow for timely identification of potential health problems.
Place your baby to sleep correctly. Infants should sleep on their back on a firm mattress, without soft bedding, pillows, or toys. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding offers immense benefits to the infant, providing all the necessary nutrients and antibodies. Many common breastfeeding problems can be resolved with the help of a qualified specialist.
Emotional Bonding and Communication. Take every opportunity to hold your baby, talk, and play with them. Sensitive interaction with your infant promotes attachment and positively influences their emotional and cognitive development.
Recognize Symptoms of Illness. Watch for signs that may indicate your infant needs medical attention, such as fever, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness. Trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
Take Care of Your Health. When all your attention is focused on your baby, it's easy to neglect your own well-being. However, it is essential to monitor your health, as this helps protect both you and your baby. Don't miss opportunities to rest, ask for help if you need it, and seek professional medical help if you experience severe emotional exhaustion, depression, or anxiety.
Warning Signs. Seek immediate medical attention if your newborn exhibits: high fever; rapid spread of a rash resembling bruises or subcutaneous bleeding that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass; seizures, muscle weakness, or lethargy; difficulty breathing (with wheezing, whistling, or chest retractions during inhalation); jaundice (yellowing of the skin); vomiting for several hours or persistent regurgitation of fluids; diarrhea, especially with blood or accompanied by a high fever; signs of dehydration (diapers remaining dry for extended periods, dry mouth, sunken fontanelle).
Trust Your Instincts. If you notice that something is bothering your baby, consult a medical professional.
The health of mothers and newborns is the foundation of family and community health and a guarantee of a prosperous future
for all of us.
Public Health Department (based on materials from the WHO Regional Office for Europe)