Why Are So Many Nigerian Women Still Dying During Childbirth?

Every day, women in Nigeria die while giving life. It's a heartbreaking reality — too many mothers don't survive pregnancy and childbirth.

What Is Maternal Mortality?

Maternal mortality means a woman dies while pregnant, during childbirth, or shortly after giving birth. These deaths are often preventable with timely care.

What's Happening in Nigeria?

A recent 13-year study from a major Lagos hospital found that maternal deaths increased each year, most affected women were in their early 30s, and nearly 9 out of 10 who died had not registered for antenatal care.

Why Are These Women Dying?

1. Severe Bleeding during or after delivery.
2. High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy, which can lead to seizures or stroke.
3. Infections (Sepsis) after childbirth.
4. Anaemia, which can cause serious problems.
5. HIV and Sickle Cell Disease, which make pregnancy riskier if not well-managed.

What Can We Do?

Encourage early antenatal care, raise awareness, strengthen emergency care access, and support women with chronic conditions during pregnancy.

Final Thoughts

Every mother deserves a safe birth and a healthy future.

Reference: Olamijulo, J.A., Olorunfemi, G. & Okunola, H. Trends and causes of maternal death at the Lagos University teaching hospital, Lagos, Nigeria (2007–2019). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 22, 360 (2022).