MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Pediatric Oncologist at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Sinkor, Dr. Clarence Wesseh, has underscored the need for proper antenatal care during pregnancies to prevent women from having pre-term babies.

Pre-term babies are babies born before the actual maturity period of thirty-seven weeks.

Dr. Wesseh said,” Pre-term births account for thirty-five percent of newborn deaths in the country, describing it as a grave issue”.

He said visiting a health facility for antenatal care helps prevent complications and factors that lead to having pre-term babies.

Dr. Wesseh is admonishing expectant mothers to take good care of their health during pregnancy and engage in healthy lifestyle routines.

He also urged health workers to be proactive in ensuring that pregnant women receive the right care they need during their antenatal visits at health facilities.