Free State welcomes 35 Easter babies and notes decline in teenage pregnancies

The Free State Department of Health welcomed 35 babies born across the province on Friday, with only one teenage mother amongst the women who gave birth-a sign of a decline in teenage pregnancies, says health officials. Departmental spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said that out of the 35, 20 were boys and 15 were girls. “To date, reports include 22 normal births, three caesarean sections (C-Section), and four Born Before Arrival (BBA) deliveries from Nala hospital, Phumelela hospital and MUCPP,” he said.

Only one 18-year-old gave birth on the day at Nketoana Hospital. Two low-birth-weight babies were recorded: 2 070 g (Bongani Regional Hospital) and 2 180 g (Itemoheng District Hospital). All mothers and babies are stable, with no prematurity reported.

MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, highlighted that it is good news that every baby born on Easter is healthy. “The absence of prematurity and generally good birth weights reflects strong antenatal and maternity care. Thank you to our healthcare professionals for their tireless service.” He also noted a significant decline in teenage pregnancy rates.

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“This progress reflects our public outreach campaigns involving health teams, educators, community leaders, and families. We must sustain it through comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly services, and strong community support.” Mvambi said parents of newborns are encouraged to practise exclusive breastfeeding.

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