Gynecologists affiliated with the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria have raised concerns regarding the significant prevalence of home births among impoverished pregnant women in the country, a trend exacerbated by economic challenges.
Statistics provided by SOGON indicate that approximately 80% of women in Nigeria opt for home deliveries.
This worrisome pattern has prompted the society to issue a warning about the risks associated with home births, particularly for mothers who may experience complications such as excessive bleeding.
Wakadaily discovered that, Dr. Habib Sadauki, the President of SOGON, emphasized that delivering at home is currently unsafe and has the potential to further elevate Nigeria’s already high maternal mortality rate.
Data indicates that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains one of the highest globally, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Dr. Sadauki expressed dismay over the economic hardship prevailing in the country, which exacerbates the situation, especially for underprivileged and marginalized women.
He noted that hospital delivery costs have surged nationwide due to the prevailing inflationary conditions.
The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist stated, “We are discouraging mothers from delivering at home. They should as much as possible deliver under the supervision of a skilled provider in an appropriate facility.
About 80 per cent of our women deliver at home and some of them may even deliver with nobody around.
“This practice is very dangerous for mothers especially if they have complications of bleeding.”
The gynaecologist mentioned severe bleeding also called hemorrhage after birth could kill a healthy woman within hours if she is unattended
“Bleeding doesn’t take time to kill. If the bleeding does not stop immediately and assistance does not come immediately, the person can die very easily.
“The home is not appropriate for delivery for now. You need a trained skilled provider to supervise the labor to save the mother from complications”, he added.
The President of SOGON (Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria) encouraged expectant mothers to give birth in healthcare facilities staffed by skilled professionals who can handle any complications that may arise during delivery.
He attributed the prevalence of home births to factors such as lack of awareness, poverty, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in the country.
He further stated, “Yes, the hospital is there. But there are no supplies, the patient has to buy everything. You go to the hospital, there is no light, there is no water. The infrastructure is not enough.
“Also, if you look at the attitude of the health workers towards women during labor, it is still not good. Some still shout at patients during delivery and the environment is not dignifying. So, this discourages them from coming to the hospital.”
A maternal health expert warns that Nigeria may fail to meet its 2030 Sustainable Development Goal for Health and Well-being due to rising inflation, citing alarming statistics from a recent UNICEF report.
The report reveals high rates of maternal mortality (576 per 100,000 live births), infant mortality (69 per 1,000 live births), and under-five deaths (128 per 1,000 live births), with most deaths caused by preventable diseases like pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea.
The expert emphasizes the urgent need for trained healthcare professionals to care for mothers and newborns, highlighting the devastating consequences of inadequate care.
“We can ensure that millions of babies survive their first day and live into this decade and beyond if every mother has good pregnancy care and every baby is born into a safe pair of hands.
“That means having well-equipped facilities with well-trained staff who can be there to welcome every Nigerian child into this world safely and healthily”, UNICEF said.
