Edited by Sarah Owoeye and Olorundare Oluwapelumi
Pregnancy and childbirth are great and happy events in most homes in Nigeria but unfortunately, there has been a recent rise in maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Nigeria ranks as the third country with the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Maternal mortality refers to deaths that occur as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Every pregnancy carries some level of risk for both the mother and the child. The causes of maternal mortality are varied and can include a weak healthcare system, underlying medical conditions, and even certain actions or inactions on the part of the expectant mother.
This alarming increase in maternal deaths calls for thorough investigation, improved healthcare policies, and proactive measures to ensure safer pregnancies and deliveries.
Table of Contents
Causes of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
Here are some causes of maternal mortality
1. Lack Of Access to Quality Healthcare
This is more common in rural areas; many pregnant women do not have access to quality healthcare. There are no skilled professional personnel, and poor facilities and equipment.
With these necessary things not in place, pregnant women are at high risk of losing their lives and children.
2. Poverty and Illiteracy
This is a very sad cause of maternal mortality, yet common in Nigeria. Poor women cannot afford antenatal care because of the healthcare system. Some are not even aware of antenatal programs or the reason why they should enrol in such programs.
Illiteracy is therefore, something to be eradicated intentionally.
3. Delay In Getting Medical Help
This is as result of inadequate facilities in healthcare and illiteracy. A woman who attends antenatal programs would have been enlightened on certain precautions to take as a pregnant woman, signs and symptoms such as abdominal pains, and less movement of your baby than usual that need medical attention.
In essence, a woman who doesn’t have this information might not see a reason to seek care. The healthcare system also plays a role in increasing complications in pregnant women by not attending to them in due time and not providing proper care.
Financial constraints can also cause delays in seeking medical help thereby putting the woman and child at risk.
4. Abortion
Inadequate family planning leads women to carry out unsafe abortions thereby leading to the risk of maternal mortality.
Unsafe abortion is very rampant now, increased the mortality rate in the country. Due to restrictive laws regarding abortion, women find different ways of abortion instead of going to see a qualified doctor.
5. Underlying Medical Conditions
Women with health conditions like hypertension, anemia and ulcers can be vulnerable to complications during pregnancy and childbirth
Consequences of High Rate of Maternal Mortality
Maternal mortality goes beyond immediate tragedy. It affects society, individuals, families and the healthcare system.
Thousands of women die unnecessarily, leaving their families and communities in distress.Some consequences are highlighted below:
1. Loss of Lives of Children
When the mothers of the newborn die, the newborns might die also due to the absence of their mother and lack of proper care.
2. Stalled National Development
It undermines national efforts to improve public health. The country is stuck on what to be done to reduce maternal mortality.
3. Family Disruption
It leads to disaster at the family level. Children require the presence of a mother in their lives but, unfortunately, this tragedy subjects them to loneliness and suffering which could affect society.
Solutions To High Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
- Improved healthcare infrastructures.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate women and communities about the importance of antenatal care.
- Government and policy support directed to maternal and child health.
- Train and deploy more skilled and efficient health personnel.
- Make antenatal care affordable
Final Thoughts
The rate at which women die during childbirth is alarming and has been so bothersome. Hence, there are precautions to be taken that will help reduce maternal mortality which some have been highlighted above.
Cheers to every strong woman out there.
Read also: Adolescent Mothers & Their Effects On Child Development
