THE Administrative Department, headed by Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Edgardo Pangilinan, of the House of Representatives (HRep) held a webinar on pregnancy on Monday as part of its activities to mark 2025 Women’s Month.
Organized by the Medical and Dental Service (MDS) of the Administrative Department, the webinar entitled “Pregnancy: A Beautiful Journey,” highlighted the emotional and physical experiences tied to pregnancy and the importance of maternal health.
Dr. Maria Rheapaz Bernardo De Guzman, served as the resource speaker, providing insights into pregnancy, from early stages to postpartum care.
She stressed the importance of preparation, including taking folic acid, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and knowing one’s ovulation status. She also underscored the need for HPV or cervical cancer screening, noting that cervical cancer is the most preventable cancer.
“Lahat ng 30 years old pataas, dapat nagpapa-PAP smear kayo every three years. Or kung meron kayong HPV screening, you can have it done every five years. So you should go, kahit annual lang. Spend just one day or two days kasi may mga diagnostic pa yan na ipapagawa just to protect yourself. Babae tayo, dapat pino-protektahan natin ang sarili natin,” she stated.
For pregnancy care, De Guzman advised consulting an obstetrician at six to 12 weeks to confirm pregnancy age, estimate the due date and check for complications. She emphasized regular checkups—once a month for healthy pregnancies and more frequently if issues arise.
She explained that screen tests during pregnancy include urinalysis to check for UTI, blood tests for anemia and blood type, diabetes screening, STD tests and genetic testing. She also stressed the importance of prenatal vitamins, folic acid, iron, calcium and vaccines for expectant mothers.
HRep Gender and Development (GAD) champion and Legal Affairs Department DSG Atty. Annalou Nachura described the webinar as part of the HRep’s push to be more inclusive.
“A gender-sensitive and inclusive community starts with ensuring that every woman has access to the care and support she needs,” she said, adding that women’s health in achieving gender equality is important.
“This month is not just for recognition; it’s a time for action, empowerment, and self-care. Let this month empower each one of us to rise as women in government, women in nation-building, and women empowering other women,” she added.
DSG Nachura encouraged HRep personnel to participate in the various activities lined up for Women’s Month, from health screenings to Zumba session, to a webinar on healthy eating for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, a continuation of the ISIP series this time to tackle postpartum depression, random blood sugar screening, beauty care sessions, HPV DNA screening, breast ultrasound and webinar on newborn care.
