Featured Authors: Gary Rodriguez, iKalikiano Kalei, iSteven Ulmen, iMel Hathorn, iStacey Chillemi, iG. Roscoe, iDiane Hundertmark, i He ‘ appeared before the person of God for us ’ with the value of “ his own blood . ” When the nations combine in the foretold earth - wide effort to destroy God’s people , we will remember these words of the psalmist’s prayer : “ O may they be ashamed and be disturbed for all times , and may they become abashed and perish . ” ​ — Ps . I-10. I-rose rose tattoo imibono on forearm for Boys and Men sis now confirmed across the country and the rate of children born with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders 14 times higher than the global average, South Africa is in dire need of education around health during pregnancy. National Pregnancy Awareness Week, which ran from February 12 to 16, provided an important platform for discussion on these issues. “So much happens in the months before conception and during the 40-week gestational period which can affect your child’s mental and physical development for the rest of their life. “Women should have tests as early as they can, certainly by 10 or 12 weeks into pregnancy to pick up abnormalities and allow for patient education around key risks,” said Dr Howard Manyonga, obstetrician and head of The Birthing Team. According to Manyonga, one of the biggest risks to unborn babies in South Africa is the consumption of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. “Women should be aware that if they consume alcohol, are sexually active and not using contraception, they may fall pregnant and unknowingly expose their baby to its toxic effects at a very sensitive stage of development. Women who are already pregnant must avoid it entirely,” he said. Another threat is the recent outbreak of the bacterial disease listeriosis, which has claimed 82 lives in South Africa to date. Pregnant women are one of the most at-risk groups.