Angela Onwuzoo The Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria says the persistent economic hardship in the country is seriously impacting maternal and child health as the situation has forced many expectant mothers to deliver their babies at home due to their inability to afford the cost of hospital delivery. President of SOGON, Dr. Habib Sadauki, disclosed this during an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, warning that the home is not safe for delivery for now.
Sadauki 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 explained, “About 80 percent 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. “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 SOGON president urged pregnant women to deliver in health facilities where there are trained skilled birth providers who can manage complications during delivery. “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.
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