The latest book which extensively educates women on safe childbirth has been launched at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

The 88-paged book titled: 'Basic Knowledge of Pregnancy, Labour and Delivery' is authored by the Ghanaian obstetric Gynecologist Dr H. N. O Laryea, addresses issues of pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery period.

The book which is expected to educate women on reproductive health will also serve as a reference for some health professionals.

The main aim of the book is to help reduce the incidence of maternal and perinatal mortality rate through an improvement in the basic knowledge of young pregnant women.

It is targeted at mothers who are usually trapped by the exigencies of their workplaces and do not have sufficient time to adequately attend antenatal lessons offered by the various health facilities.

According to the author, research findings have established that attending antenatal clinic and supervised delivery has significantly reduced maternal and perinatal mobility and mortality.

The book seeks to help increase the knowledge base of pregnant women and prepare them for the challenges in pregnancy, labour and delivery.

It is also said to represent an important step by making prenatal care visible and meaningful to even first-time mothers to appreciate the beauty of motherhood.

In an interview after the launch, Dr Laryea said his motivation is to help reduce the deaths of pregnant women and their unborn babies.

He believes his book will influence the knowledge base not only to pregnant women but to the masses as well.

He noted that the book seeks to dispel cultural perceptions and beliefs which affect decisions not to go to the hospital when someone is sick.