Maternal mortality is the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. It could be due to pregnancy termination, lack of adequate care during pregnancy, but not from accidental or incidental causes. In other words, maternal mortality refers to the underlying conditions or complications related to pregnancy.
Maternal health is still a major issue in Nigeria. Women in rural or poor communities fall victim to poor healthcare and the unaffordability of quality medical services. Some public hospitals do not have the necessary equipment to carry out safe delivery processes and also handle emergency cases that lead to expectant mothers losing their lives.
In Nigeria, Bauchi State is rated as the worst in the North-East in terms of maternal mortality based on the 2023 National Demographic and Health Information Survey (NDHIS) as reported by Nigerian Tribune.
According to a global report cited by Annals Global Health, Maternal mortality remains a nightmare in Nigeria, stating that the “Nigeria has the highest estimated maternal death rate, accounting for over one-quarter (28.3%) of all estimated global maternal deaths, with approximately 8,200 maternal deaths and a maternal mortality ratio of 1,047 per 100,000 livebirths.”
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Causes of maternal mortality
1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (P.P.H)
P.P.H. is the excessive bleeding after giving birth. It is only a skilled healthcare provider that can manage such a situation. Otherwise, there would be a loss of life. Many women go through this in Nigeria.
2. Poor medical facilities
Another main cause of maternal mortality is the lack of access to quality medical facilities. When a pregnant woman is deprived of quality healthcare, she is at risk of losing her life. Some rural areas in Nigeria do not have enough facilities that cater to complex cases.
3. Age
Women in their late thirties, forties, and fifties are at higher risk of maternal mortality than those in their twenties. But if you’re under the age of sixteen years, you’re at a greater risk.
4. Not feeding well
As a pregnant woman, if you don’t feed well or maintain a healthy diet, you and the life of your child may be at risk. Having an unwanted pregnancy can also lead to negligence or not prioritising adequate care, and when you’re also not financially buoyant.
5. Unsafe abortion
Women who abort pregnancies in poor facilities and by untrained doctors can experience complications that could lead to death. This is not limited to any particular age range.
How to reduce maternal mortality
1. Access to quality healthcare for women who can’t afford it, especially those in rural communities, can go a long way in addressing this issue and save hundreds of thousands of lives. There should be constant, regular check-ups for mother and child. Also, proactive measures should be implemented in case of life-threatening cases.
2. Sensitizing women, both young and old, about the implications of unwanted pregnancies and unprotected sex can be helpful. It is also imperative to educate women on how they can care for themselves during pregnancies and the dangers of getting infections.
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