Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Pregnant women should be offered information on how to reduce the risk of some
digestive infections by:
o drinking only pasteurized milk
o not eating blue cheese, pate (liver product), uncooked meals
o avoiding raw or partially cooked eggs (e.g. mayonnaise) or meat, especially
poultry.
Correct and consistent use of condoms should be recommended for reducing STI risk.
If an STI is detected during pregnancy, the woman should be referred to a specialized
service.
Personal hygiene
Maintaining good personal hygiene helps to prevent infections and to stay healthy in
pregnancy. The pregnant woman should:
• Bathe with clean water every day, including washing the outside of her genitals
gently with clean water.
• Avoid hot water baths
• Avoid douching or placing any substances in vagina
• Clean her teeth with a soft brush after every meal.
The woman’s clothes and shoes should be as comfortable as possible.
Sexual intercourse
Sexual intercourse in pregnancy is not known to be associated with any adverse effects,
although some specialists recommend avoidance of vaginal intercourse during the last
trimester of pregnancy. Some women do not want much sex when they are pregnant.
Others want more sex than usual. Both feelings are normal. Having sex, and not having
sex, are okay for the woman and her baby. If sex is uncomfortable, the couple may try
different positions or other ways to share their affection and to be close to each other.
If the woman has sex, it is important that anything put in her vagina (the man’s penis or
his fingers) be clean in order to avoid infection. If there is any risk for STIs, including
HIV, the couple should always use a condom during sex.
Emotional support
Pregnancy can make women very emotional. Some women laugh or cry for no apparent
reason. Some feel depressed, angry, or irritable. Odd laughing, crying and other sudden
mood changes or strong feelings are normal. They usually pass quickly. However, do not
ignore a woman’s feelings simply because she is pregnant. Her feelings are real.
Many women worry when they are pregnant, especially about the baby’s health and about
giving birth. A woman’s worries about other problems in her life may also become
stronger when she is pregnant. Such worries are normal.
Women with these feelings need emotional support, like someone to listen to their
worries and encourage them to feel positive and hopeful. They may also need help to
solve the problems they are having in their lives, like problems with their partners,
money, drugs or alcohol, or other issues.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 6: Pregnancy