This afternoon whilst sleeping after my night shift, I had a strange dream. A woman in labor was on the floor trying to give birth. It was a difficult birth
The women attending to her placed her on the floor and one was standing on the abdomen giving fundal pressure so the baby would come out. I woke up wondering what was going on
It reminded me of my work in a rural area, where women go to traditional birth attendants to turn their babies who they claim are not in the right position. No scan or obstetric investigation done. The abdomen is manipulated until the women start bleeding as a result of placenta abruptio (The placenta separates from the walls of the uterus and the bleeding begins) . They come to the hospital in a collapsed state and also fetal demise due to the bleeding. They are only referred in the worst state when little can be done
Some get prolonged labor and are kept too long in the birth attendants home before the birth of the baby. This can result in obstetric fistula.
Fundal pressure is something even health workers do with so much caution. It does not have to be a routine.
Some are made to push through an undilated cervix leading to cervical tears which they may not be able to repair. They are only referred to the hospitals when complications sets in
Let me not forget giving herbal medications and concoctions to speed up labor which results in ruptured uterus and even fetal demise
It’s important that pregnant women seek skilled delivery to prevent complications that can cost their lives. Seek information from only skilled health professionals. Give birth in an accredited health facility.
Take steps to stay safe during pregnancy
Join our Pregnancy class to learn more 024 228 1957
Outside Ghana click here to join
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=86216005
You can Book a one on one session, Buy your baby Items, Book for an interview or other matters and also Buy a book on pregnancy from us. 024 228 1957
Get a copy of my book Sally’s tips
Available on Amazon… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JBY73D2
Also available on
https://okadabooks.com/…/sally_s_tips_for…/37081
#Share #midwifesally #maternalhealth #women #pregnancy #ghana #africa #birth