UNIMEDTH: Special Dedication of Christmas Message to Fight Eclampsia
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder.” Isaiah 9:6
As we celebrate this season of joy and the safe birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded that pregnancy is not a disease and should not be a death sentence. Our research has clearly shown that Eclampsia (hypertension with convulsions in pregnancy) has become the leading and most significant cause of maternal death and maternal morbidity in our environment and in South-West Nigeria.
Eclampsia (with its precursor, Pre-Eclampsia) is also a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This tragic condition is, however, largely preventable through proper and regular monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy.
Eclampsia is the occurrence of convulsions (seizures) in a pregnant or postpartum woman with pre-eclampsia (hypertension and proteinuria), not attributable to other causes. Sadly, in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, many pregnant women are brought to the hospital already dead, having convulsed several times at home or in unorthodox birth places.
In some cases, death occurs within minutes of arrival due to irreversible multiple organ damage resulting from Eclampsia. Other significant causes of maternal death include haemorrhage, sepsis, obstructed labour, and unsafe abortion.
Four Simple but Very Important and effective Preventive Steps for Eclampsia
- Early Blood Pressure Check
Every pregnant woman should have her blood pressure checked as early as possible in pregnancy, and the baseline value properly documented. An increase of 30/15 mmHg above the initial blood pressure is a significant risk factor for eclampsia. - Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher at any time during pregnancy is abnormal and dangerous. Regular blood pressure monitoring in pregnancy, especially from the sixth month of pregnancy, is strongly advised to prevent delays in the diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia. Undiagnosed or poorly managed Pre-Eclampsia can lead to Eclampsia.
Pregnant women are encouraged to take advantage of the widely available Ondo State Government sponsored maternal care services, “the Abiyamọ Scheme”” under the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, which provides access to early detection, monitoring, timely referral, and appropriate management.
- Routine Urine Testing
Regular urine testing for protein throughout pregnancy is essential for the early detection of pre-eclampsia. - Observance of Premonitory Symptoms
Any woman especially a first time mother or with new husband, who is in late pregnancy, labour, or the period shortly after delivery and suddenly develops a severe headache, or vomiting or upper abdominal pain or blurred or double vision, dizziness, or unusual sensations should raise an alarm immediately.
These warning signs may signal impending eclampsia, a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent medical attention.
Dedication of Christmas Message: We dedicate this year’s Christmas message to a renewed fight against maternal death, especially eclampsia, the leading killer in our environment.
This effort continues to be strengthened through government investment in maternal and child health services, improved access to skilled care, and expanded health coverage for pregnant women. “Women shall be saved in childbirth.” 1 Timothy 2:15 “
You shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17
The life of every pregnant woman and her unborn child counts.
The good news is that, as part of ongoing government efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths, delivery services (both vaginal and caesarean section) are also provided at no cost at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Laje Road, Ondo, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to safe childbirth.
Happy Christmas to you all.
Signed:
Dr Michael Olumide Gbala,
Chief Medical Director, UNIMEDTH
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
