Vietnamese and Pregnancy
... Major Vietnamese cities include Hanoi in the north, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, and Da Nang in the mid costal region. ... The First Indochina War was a struggle between Vietnamese nationalists and the French colonial regime aided by the United States. ... Secondary to language barriers, Vietnamese refugees often had a difficult time obtaining health care or even providing for their families. ... Vietnamese Culture: The culture of the Vietnam is extremely complex, due to the influence and contributions made by the diverse mix of ethnic groups that have inhabited the country throughout its history. The Vietnamese Culture has developed and influenced by: the Chinese, with their impact of Confucianism and Taoism; the Indian & the Chinese, with their Buddhist diffusion; and the West, with the introduction of Christianity and Western thought. Many customs of the Vietnamese are based upon their respect for education, family, elders and the desire to avoid conflict (LaBorde, 1996). The most important factor in the value system of the Vietnamese is the family. The family is the center of the Vietnamese common mans preoccupation and the backbone of Vietnamese society. ... (Vu & Aaron, 2004) The Vietnamese tend to be very polite and guarded, as well as traditional in their beliefs. In the view of the Vietnamese common man, life on earth is but a temporary stop on his journey to death and other reincarnations. (Vu & Aaron, 2004) Since death is viewed as inevitable, the Vietnamese accept it with composure. ... (Vu & Aaron, 2004) Many Vietnamese follow Buddhist concepts, a philosophy of life that profoundly impacts their health care beliefs and practices. ... Traditional Vietnamese Medical Beliefs: In Vietnam, medical assistance is rarely sought. ... When ill, Vietnamese individuals will self-medicate with various herbs, spices, tonics, massage, or the avoidance of excess consumption of food or physical activity (Vu &Aaron, 2004). ... Traditional Vietnamese Perinatal and Prenatal Beliefs: There is very little medical treatment or advisement for women who are pregnant in Vietnam. Women do not receive any type of prenatal care, nor is there any medication or remedies for ailments associated with pregnancy. Women will determine if they are pregnant only if they exhibit early symptoms of pregnancy such as; morning sickness, cravings for certain foods, and unusual fatigue (Vu & Aaron, 2004). During pregnancy, a woman’s work and normal daily activities are not interrupted until labor begins. There are many superstitions or beliefs held by the Vietnamese concerning pregnancy. Many women will not wear necklaces throughout pregnancy fearing that it will cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the fetus’ neck (Traditional Health Belief 2003).