Group recommends awareness for pre-eclampsia to curb maternal deaths

The Society of Gynaecology and Obstetricians of Nigeria (SOGON) has called for increased awareness of preeclampsia to help prevent maternal deaths and complications during pregnancy.

Dr Eziamaka Ezenkwele, the Coordinator of SGON, Enugu Chapter, made the call during an interview with newsmen in Enugu on Thursday.

Ezenkwele opined that awareness was crucial to ensuring safe delivery, healthy mothers, and healthy babies.

She described preeclampsia as a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver, typically occurring from 20 weeks (five months) into pregnancy.

“Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

“It is important to create awareness for early detection and treatment to improve outcomes for both mother and child,” she said.

The coordinator warned that if not properly managed, preeclampsia could lead to stroke or death of the mother, while the survival of the baby is thin.

She stressed the importance of regular antenatal care to monitor blood pressure and check for protein in urine, both of which were early indicators of the condition.

“Common symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in urine, severe headaches, vision changes (such as blind spots or double vision), and abdominal pain.”

According to Ezenkwele, those most at risk include first-time mothers, women with a history of preeclampsia, those with pre-existing medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and women carrying multiple babies.

She advised pregnant women to register for antenatal care by the second missed period, attend regular clinics, report any concerning symptoms, and follow medical advice closely.

“If referral to a higher-level facility is recommended, it is important that the mother and her family accept it, as it could be life-saving,” she added.