Angela Onwuzoo Gynaecologists under the aegis of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria have expressed concern over the high rate of home delivery among poor pregnant women in the country occasioned by economic hardship. Already, SOGON said about 80 per cent of women in the country deliver their babies at home. The society warned that the practice is dangerous for mothers, especially if they have complications of bleeding.
President of SOGON, Dr. Habib Sadauki who disclosed this during an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, said the home is not safe for delivery for now and might further worsen Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate. Sadauki said Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate is still among the highest in the world, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
He lamented that the current economic situation in the country had worsened the problem, especially among poor and vulnerable women. According to him, the cost of delivery has gone up in hospitals across the country as a result of the current inflation. The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist said, “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 sa.
