One of the main methods of prevention in maternal health is the use of prenatal care. When providing prenatal care, a health care provider advises and discusses information with the expectant mother. Conversations about smoking and drinking, what to expect during pregnancy, when to seek help, and activity limitations are implemented (Kirkham, Harris, & Grzybowski, 2005). Discussions about possible complications and potential warning signs are also an important part of prenatal education. Providing supplements such as calcium (1,000 to 1,300 mg per day), folic acid (0.4 to 0.8 mg), and iron (30 mg per day) to a pregnant woman is also an element important for primary prevention, because they contribute to the fight against blood pressure disorders, anemia and anomalies in the unborn child (Kirkham, Harris and Grzybowski, 2005). Additionally, immunization of pregnant women has been shown to keep the mother and unborn child healthy during pregnancy. Some vaccines, such as Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and inactivated influenza vaccines, have been shown to protect the fetus because the mother's antibodies against the disease are transferred to the unborn child (Esposito et al., 2012). .2.2 Secondary prevention Prenatal care also includes many types of secondary prevention methods for pregnant women. Keeping records of a pregnant woman's weight and blood pressure throughout the pregnancy to ensure they are within the recommended range helps detect problems earlier. The expectant mother can have her blood tested to check for certain genetic markers that would detect certain diseases in the fetus, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and Tay-Sachs disease (Kirkham, Harris, & ...... middle of paper. .. whether by telephone or through some sort of computer system Cost will be a barrier to implementing many of the recommendations made if the government is serious about reducing the maternal mortality rate and improving maternal health status. will have to allocate funds to the cause If the government creates regulatory and accreditation agencies to enforce the new referral policies and transportation issues, then they will be able to charge fees to healthcare facilities for not following the policies and. generating income in this way meet the new high standards set by the government, they can then pay to be accredited, which will also generate income. Non-governmental organizations should play an active role in social marketing campaigns and educational strategies in local communities, as this will help alleviate some of the burden on government.