Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: What Can I DO? - Part 1
Every single day, Nigeria loses one woman in every 13minutes that is 109 women dying each day and over 3000 women monthly and over 40,000 in a year.
And the most painful part is that most of these pregnancy and childbirth causes of death are highly preventable and treatable.
- African Population and Health research centre.
Then what is wrong? Somebody’s mathematics isn’t correct or someone isn’t calculating at all.
- Nigeria accounts for about 14% of the global maternal mortality, and we are the second largest contributor to maternal mortality after India.
Underneath the statistics lies the pain of human tragedy, for thousands of families who have lost their children, wives, friends ,aunts and many more. Even more devastating is the knowledge that, according to recent research, essential interventions reaching women and babies on time would have averted most of these deaths.
MOST COMMON CAUSES OF MATERNAL DEATHS
- Excessive bleeding; this accounts for 23% of all maternal death obstetrical hemorrhage. - Obstetrical hemorrhage and maternal hemorrhage, refers to heavy bleeding during pregnancy, labor, or the postpartum period. Bleeding may be vaginal or less commonly but more dangerously, internal, into the abdominal cavity. THE LOSS OF MORE THAN 500ML OR 1000 ML IN CSECTION.
- Sepsis; 17% : Bacteria infection
- Unsafe Abortion:
- Toxia/Eclampsia; a result of a placenta that doesn't function properly – characterized by high blood pressure and seizure which can be fatal.
- Malaria: protect yourself, don’t take chances.
- Anemia: A condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency .vitamins
- Prolonged and Obstructed Labor:
- Other Causes
WHAT CAN I DO?
1. ASK QUESTIOS
Talking to your practitioner to see which after birth protocol he or she uses and what might be best for your situation can go a long way in helping you to understand your personal risk factors and prevention strategy for postpartum hemorrhage.
2. READ AND ATTEND PRE AND POST NATAL CLASSES
3. Have a birth plan Incase of Emergencies or unexpected happens.
4. Request to put your baby to breast after delivery except it is declared unsafe by your doctor.
5. Give back
6) Take care of yourself don’t take chances.
CONCLUSION:
EVERY MOTHER COUNTS
We cant watch Nigerian Women die
Nigerian women – and indeed women everywhere – deserve no less.
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