They live in squats, in precarious dwellings, in suburban slum areas or social hotels … All these women in precarious situations are generally not followed by a doctor. And when they get pregnant, they continue their pregnancy without medical follow-up.
This lack of obstetric follow-up can have serious consequences for the health of the future baby. Failure to do the screening examinations usually prescribed for all future mothers (blood tests, ultrasounds…), possible congenital malformations, disabilities such as trisomy 21 (the most common cause of disability of chromosomal origin), low-weight babies … are not detected, or not in time.
Pregnant women are also at risk for their own health since certain pathologies such as gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced hypertension are not detected. Without forgetting other infectious pathologies such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, AIDS, for which systematic screening is essential to be able to implement treatments that will reduce the risk of the baby being born infected.
“Studies show that among women in a very precarious situation, and despite care, the rate of premature births is high: 12 to 15% against 6 to 8% in the general population. The rate of children born small Finally, cesarean sections are much more frequent: they are performed in more than 30% of these women, against 18% in the general population “explains Dr Paule Herschkorn Barnu, obstetrician gynecologist, and director of the Solidarité Paris network Mom (SOLIPAM).
In Paris, 1000 pregnant women not followed
“We carried out a survey in all Parisian hospitals. Ten years ago, 1,500 women gave birth there each year without ever having seen anyone beforehand medically during their pregnancy. Three years ago, it was all around. 1000 women per year who arrived there to give birth. It is likely that currently, the figures remain more or less the same, even increased “, notes Dr. Bernard Guillon, gynecologist and president of the Association for the Development of Women’s Health.
This association, created in 2001 on the initiative of a gynecologist, Dr Bernard Guillon, brings together men and women volunteers who put their skills at the service of improving the health of women in great difficulty. She has thus set up a weekly marauding in the Paris region to meet pregnant women in the street and in great precariousness. Raids made possible thanks to the support of a laboratory specializing in the field of gynecology (Iprad) and the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
“Since the start of the marauding, more than 100 women in precariousness have been met. And more than 40 women have been treated or put back on the path of care” explains the association. “Simple control like taking blood pressure, which costs nothing, allows us to detect hypertension, organize follow-up, and act before it is too late to prevent complications.”
Looking for volunteers
For its marauding, the ADSF has a great need for volunteers! Mainly medical staff: gynecologists, midwives, general practitioners … Also advice to retired health professionals: the association needs their skills, their time and their help. Non-medical volunteers, social workers, holders of the B permit, are also expected.
To join the ADSF teams, contact the association on 06 46 43 23 64, or by email: adsfasso@club-internet.fr
