HEALTH
Health care before pregnancy is important for both the mother and the unborn child. Pre-pregnancy health can be achieved with early intervention, a healthy lifestyle and health risk monitoring. Women’s pre-pregnancy health under MOH Women’s health screening The purpose of screening is to ensure optimum health for pregnancy and to detect women’s health risks. Screening includes: Blood pressure check Blood sugar level Body weight Body Mass Index (BMI) Mental health Pre-pregnancy counseling Counseling on nutrition, folic acid intake, healthy lifestyle (avoiding smoking, alcohol, drugs) and stress management. Detection of chronic diseases and early treatment Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, anaemia and asthma must be treated before pregnancy to prevent complications. Folic acid supplementation Taking folic acid at least 3 months before pregnancy can prevent neural tube defects in babies such as spina bifida. Reproductive health education Explanation of the male and female reproductive systems as well as the menstrual cycle.
If you suspect you are pregnant with signs such as: Missed or late period Nausea or vomiting Fatigue Dizziness Mood changes You can confirm the pregnancy by doing a home test (pregnancy test kits are available at pharmacies) or by visiting a health clinic. If pregnancy is confirmed, you are advised to register as early as possible at the nearest government health clinic. Early registration allows regular monitoring of maternal health and fetal development. Steps to register pregnancy: Choose the nearest health clinic You can go to any nearby health clinic. See locations of government health clinics Initial check-up Includes: Pregnancy test (if no prior clinical confirmation) Blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, and BMI check Urine and blood tests: HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis, and hemoglobin Ultrasound scan Physical examinatio Registration of the Mother’s Health Record Book ( Pink Book ) This book is used throughout pregnancy and must be brought everywhere, including follow-up visits to clinics or hospitals.
Pregnancy is a special journey in a woman’s life, bringing major physiological changes and the need for proper care to keep both mother and baby healthy. MOH services for pregnant mothers: Early pregnancy registration Pregnant women are advised to register their pregnancy at the government health clinic before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Regular antenatal checkups Blood pressure monitoring, urine tests, weight, blood tests, physical examination and baby development. Supplementation Folic acid, iron, and multivitamins are provided free of charge to prevent anemia and ensure healthy growth of the baby. Disease screening Tests for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, diabetes and high blood pressure. Vaccination Starting May 26 th , 2025, all health clinics, rural clinics, mother and child clinics, and community clinics will begin administering the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine to pregnant women. The Tdap vaccine is given to pregnant women to protect their babies from lockjaw (tetanus), lung infection (diphtheria) and whooping cough (pertussis). Vaccination schedule for pregnant women: Primigravida (first-time pregnant women) One dose of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine during quickening and one dose of Tdap vaccine in the second or third trimester Multigravida (second-time pregnant women and above) One dose of Tdap vaccine in the second or third trimester Education and counseling Education on breastfeeding, exercise during pregnancy, birth preparation, safe birth, postpartum care and baby care.
A full-term pregnancy is between 37 to 40 weeks. Signs of labor include: Uterine contractions Vaginal discharge with some blood Water breaking If any of these signs occur, expecting mothers must go to the hospital immediately to ensure a safe delivery.
Postnatal care is a critical phase especially for the mothers’ physical and emotional recovery. Spouses and family members can provide emotional support to prevent postpartum blues. Nurses will make regular home visits after delivery (postnatal care). Mothers must also undergo check-ups at the clinic one month after childbirth. Examinations include: Blood pressure, pulse, height, weight & BMI Urine and hemoglobin tests Physical examination
Breast milk is the best and most complete food for babies as it contains all the nutrients needed for physical growth, brain development and a strong immune system. MOH breastfeeding recommendations Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months Babies should be given breast milk exclusively without any additional food or water. Continue breastfeeding up to 2 years After 6 months, complementary foods are introduced gradually while continuing breastfeeding.
In Malaysia, breast cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers affecting women. These can be detected early with regular screening. 1.Breast cancer Risk factors: age, family history, unhealthy lifestyle Screening: breast self-exam, clinical breast exam, ultrasound, mammogram Available at MOH, LPPKN, and private clinics 2. Cervical cancer Main cause: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection Screening: Pap smear, HPV DNA test (at MOH, LPPKN, private clinics) Prevention: safe sexual practices and HPV vaccination References: LPPKN
Women are encouraged to undergo clinical breast examination (CBE) at all health facilities starting at age 30. Those at risk will be referred to hospitals for mammogram screening. Women with abnormalities found during CBE will be referred to a surgical specialist clinic for further investigation.
What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray imaging test of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer. It is the most effective and clinically proven screening method to detect breast cancer at its early stage before symptoms appear. The Mammogram Subsidy Programme is implemented by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM). Mammogram screening (breast cancer screening): Target: women aged 40–70 years Priority: high-risk women Subsidized or free, depending on household income (< RM10,000/month) Conducted at panel mammogram centers registered with LPPKN Applicants may contact or visit the nearest Klinik Nur Sejahtera or register via the eMammogram portal
The cervical cancer screening programme (HPV DNA Test) is a subsidy initiative under Budget 2025 provided by LPPKN. It is given to eligible women for early detection using HPV DNA testing to prevent cervical cancer. HPV DNA test (cervical cancer screening): Target: women aged 30–65 Uses high-risk HPV DNA detection (more accurate than Pap smear) via self-sampling Free at Klinik Nur Sejahtera and through outreach programmes Results help detect cervical cancer risk before cell changes occur
The Pap smear test is a screening method for detecting pre-cancer and cancerous conditions by collecting a small cell sample from the cervix. LPPKN provides cervical cancer screening, including Pap smear tests, at Nur Sejahtera clinics nationwide.