Pregnant Women in Nigeria at Risk due to Preference for Untrained Midwives
A concerning trend has emerged in Nigeria, where many pregnant women are opting for the services of untrained midwives during childbirth, putting themselves and their babies at risk of lifelong complications. This alarming preference has been raised by gynaecologists from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), who have expressed dismay over the increasing numbers of women seeking the help of untrained midwives.
According to Dr. Jonah Egbe, a specialist in the Gynaecology Department of UCTH, statistics have shown that out of 50 pregnant women who register for antenatal care at primary healthcare centres, general hospitals, or teaching hospitals, fewer than 10 would actually deliver at these health centres. The majority of pregnant women instead opt for the maternity arms of churches or traditional birth attendants (TBAs), who are not trained to handle childbirth.
Dr. Egbe attributed this trend to misconceptions and beliefs about the services offered by TBAs, which are often passed down through generations by elderly women. He warned that these untrained midwives may prescribe inappropriate mixtures and remedies, leading to serious complications.
The gynaecologists are concerned that this preference has exposed many women to lifelong risks and should be discouraged. They advised pregnant women to patronize the services of trained public health specialists and to present themselves early enough for recognition, rather than waiting until it becomes too late and dangerous.
Dr. Egbe also emphasized the importance of families preparing ahead of time for deliveries and being wary of quack doctors running unregistered and fake facilities.
The increasing demand for untrained midwives is partly due to the depletion of trained medical manpower in many hospitals. As a result, the few remaining trained medical professionals are working with some TBAs, exposing them to some training.
The gynaecologists’ concerns are a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing women’s health and ensuring access to quality medical care. As the country continues to grapple with the challenge of providing adequate healthcare services, it is essential that policymakers and healthcare providers take concrete steps to address the shortage of trained medical personnel and promote a culture of seeking medical care from trained professionals.
