Examining Ghanaian Midwives’ Health Education Facebook Posts on Prenatal/Antenatal Care

Abstract

Social media have become an important site for the dissemination of health information by health professionals, especially midwives who use them to debunk myths, empower women with knowledge, address common concerns, and foster a sense of community among pregnant women and new mothers. The present study examined the pregnancy‐related health information posted by three Ghanaian midwives on their Facebook pages. First, the midwives recommended some specific diets believed to contain nutrients important to the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. Second, they encouraged sex during pregnancy, unless there is any medical condition that prohibits it. Third, the midwives cautioned against the use of herbal medicine whose dosage has not been prescribed and whose efficacy has not been confirmed by medical experts. The midwives also emphasized that it is essential for every pregnant woman to have a support person who will remind her of crucial information and check on her to ensure that she is in good health. Finally, they provided information on sleep and physical activity, where they commented particularly on sleep posture of the pregnant woman and the importance of exercise to her health and that of the unborn baby. Overall, these findings foreground topical areas for health campaigns and interventions on maternal health in Ghana and serve as a catalyst for further research in this area.