Malaysia is expected to see a baby boom by early next year following the implementation of movement control order (MCO) which compelled people to stay at home to combat Covid-19 between March 18 and April 14.
National Population and Family Development Board Health Unit head Dr Hamizah Mohd Hassan drew the conclusion based on the unusual new birth rate overseas.
“This is based on the statement by Patrick Whittle (Associated Press journalist) that in 1998 there was a bad snowstorm in Maine and New Hampshire, US," she said at local televised programme and quoted as saying by New Straits Times.
“The two states had to be on lockdown and residents were confined in the house for a long period of time.
“Nine months later, the baby boom happened in those two states. Similar situation might happen in Malaysia as the people have to stay at home throughout the MCO period.
“(However,) If you are worried about getting pregnant after a sexual intercourse, the wife can take two emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) followed by one pill after 12 hours,” she said.
Hamizah said the pill should be taken within 72 and 150 hours, or three days maximum, however, the result would be only 85 per cent effective.
“In the case of an expired intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or implant, the woman can take the condom or ECPs which can be purchased at pharmacies or clinics as it is categorised in category C without doctor's prescription," she added.
It was reported that the fertility rate in Malaysia dropped from 1.9 babies in 2017 to 1.8 babies per woman aged between 15 and 49 in 2018.
Malaysia had once recorded a fertility rate of 4.9 children per woman in the 1970s. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.