Economic Struggles Drive Nigeria's Pregnant Women to Risky Home Births Amid Crisis

The ongoing economic challenges in Nigeria are having a devastating impact on maternal and child health, leading many expectant mothers to deliver their babies at home instead of in hospitals. According to the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), the inability to afford the rising costs associated with hospital deliveries has forced approximately 80 percent of women to opt for home births, often without any medical assistance. Dr. Habib Sadauki, the president of SOGON, expressed grave concerns over this trend during an interview. He highlighted that delivering at home poses significant risks, particularly for those who may experience complications, such as excessive bleeding during or after delivery. “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,” Sadauki warned. The rising costs of healthcare, exacerbated by inflation, have created an untenable situation for vulnerable women in Nigeria. Many find it challenging to afford the necessary expenses for hospital care, which has become increasingly burdensome due to the current economic climate. This has not only led to more home births but also to a lack of skilled medical supervision during delivery. Sadauki urged expectant mothers to seek professional care at health facilities, where trained birth providers can manage potential complications effectively. He reiterated that the home environment is not suitable for deliveries, emphasizing the need for skilled supervision to enhance the safety of both the mother and the newborn. The SOGON president attributed the alarming trend to several factors, including poverty, ignorance, and inadequate hospital conditions. He noted that while hospitals exist, many lack essential supplies, and patients often find themselves purchasing necessary items out of pocket. Further compounding the issue, the infrastructure in many facilities is insufficient, with problems such as inconsistent power supply and lack of clean water. Additionally, the attitude of some health workers towards women in labor has been cited as unprofessional, with reports of staff shouting at patients during delivery, which can deter women from seeking hospital care. Without significant intervention to address the escalating inflation and improve healthcare access, Nigeria risks falling short of its commitments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for Health and Well-being by 2030. Recent reports from UNICEF paint a stark picture: the country experiences a maternal mortality rate of 576 per 100,000 live births, and about 262,000 babies die at birth annually. The infant mortality rate stands at 69 per 1,000 live births, with the leading causes of under-five deaths being preventable illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhoea. UNICEF has underscored the urgent need for adequately equipped healthcare facilities staffed with trained personnel to ensure safe childbirth for all women. The organization asserts that “too many mothers and newborns in Nigeria are not being cared for by a trained and equipped midwife or nurse, and the results are devastating.” They maintain that if every mother receives proper pregnancy care and every newborn is delivered safely, countless lives could be saved. The plight of pregnant women in Nigeria highlights a critical public health crisis that requires immediate attention and action from both government and healthcare stakeholders. Ensuring that every mother and child receives the care they need is paramount to reversing the alarming trends in maternal and child mortality rates in the country.