Getting to a medical center

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HealthWiki > A Book for Midwives > Chapter 24: Getting medical help > Getting to a medical center

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

A woman with a serious health problem, or at risk for one, needs medical help right away. When a woman is in danger, her family or her midwife may believe there is no hope. This is not true. Getting medical help fast can save a woman’s life.

For village women, the closest medical center might be days away. Some women take buses or walk for miles to get medical help. Even women who live close to a hospital may not get there because of lack of money or transportation. Together with each family and with the whole community, plan how you can bring a woman to medical help before there is an emergency. See more ideas about making a transport plan.

Decide quickly to get help

If you see a risk sign at any time, do not wait. If you can treat the problem at home, do so quickly. If you cannot treat it yourself, or if you have been trying to treat a problem that is not getting better — it is time to get medical help!

The more quickly you get help, the better able the health workers at the medical center or hospital will be to help the woman and her baby.

This page was updated:01 Mar 2024