Expert Recommends Supervised Birth To Reduce Mortality

A Consultant Gynaecologist in Enugu, Dr George Ugwu,  says to reduce maternal mortality to the lowest minimum, every birth must be supervised by a qualified health officer.

Ugwu, the Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Enugu State branch, said this in an interview with newsmen in Nsukka.

He said that government should ensure that every health centre in the rural area had a midwife and the required health officers.

‘‘It is unfortunate that some health posts in rural areas have no midwife to supervise child delivery.

“There is also the need to have the necessary drugs in health centres.

“The worst is that in some rural areas there is no functional health centre, and most of the maternal deaths happen during delivery.’’

He advised pregnant women to ensure that they registered for antenatal, for early detection of any problem that would be a threat to their lives during the pregnancy.

“Pregnant women should register for ante-natal care so that they will be guided on what to do and what not to do as well as what to eat and what not to eat.

“Some pregnant women run into problem because of ignorance and abuse of drugs,’’ he said, stressing that pregnant women should take only prescribed drugs.

The consultant also urged the government to ensure that maternal health care was free to enable pregnant women to access adequate medical care.

He observed that providing free maternal health care and adequately equipping health facilities would help in tackling maternal mortality.

Ugwu advised pregnant women to seek medical attention as soon as they noticed anything strange in their body.

He said poverty also contributed to maternal mortality as some pregnant women “are not able to eat good food and fruits that will give them the required blood.’’

“Good food and fruits provide pregnant women with strength and the blood required for safe delivery.

“Husbands should ensure that they show extra love and care to their wives during pregnancy, ’’ he said.