Gynaecologists from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) have expressed deep concern over the increasing number of pregnant women in Nigeria who are turning to untrained midwives and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) for childbirth. This growing trend, according to the specialists, poses serious health risks to both mothers and their babies, a situation that must be addressed urgently to safeguard the lives of pregnant women across the country.
Dr. Jonah Egbe, a specialist from the Gynaecology Department of UCTH, alongside his colleague, Dr. Ofem Ofem, voiced their concerns during a Saturday morning health programme titled *Hello Doctor*, which is produced by the Residents Doctors and broadcast on a Calabar-based radio station. The programme offered a platform for these medical experts to raise awareness about the dangers of relying on unqualified midwives during childbirth.
According to Dr. Egbe, statistics from various hospitals and healthcare centers in Nigeria have shown a worrying trend. Out of 50 pregnant women who register for antenatal care at hospitals such as primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, or teaching hospitals, fewer than ten of them actually deliver their babies at these recognized healthcare institutions. This alarming statistic indicates that the majority of women are opting for alternative birth practices, often in unsafe and unsupervised conditions.
“Most of the pregnant women would prefer to go to the maternity arms of churches or to TBAs, who are not trained to handle such tasks, to give birth,” Dr. Egbe said. He further explained that while many women believe that these untrained midwives offer a safer or more affordable option, this perception is a dangerous misconception that exposes women to a range of complications.
Dr. Egbe rejected the notion that the high cost of medical services at hospitals is the primary factor driving women away from trained professionals. Instead, he pointed to deep-seated cultural beliefs and misconceptions, often passed down by elderly women, that encourage pregnant women to seek out the services of TBAs. These unqualified midwives, he added, frequently prescribe inappropriate remedies and mixtures that may appear harmless at first but eventually lead to life-threatening complications.
The risks associated with TBAs and untrained midwives are not confined to Nigeria alone, as many countries around the world face similar challenges. However, in Nigeria, the issue is exacerbated by a shortage of qualified medical professionals in many healthcare institutions. This depletion of medical manpower has left many hospitals struggling to keep up with the demands of their patients, further pushing pregnant women towards untrained midwives.
In light of this situation, Dr. Egbe revealed that some trained doctors in hospitals are attempting to collaborate with TBAs in order to provide them with basic medical training. While this is not an ideal solution, it is a stopgap measure to minimize the harm caused by untrained midwives. However, both Dr. Egbe and Dr. Ofem emphasized that pregnant women should still prioritize seeking care from trained public health specialists and registered medical professionals.
Dr. Egbe urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and present themselves to qualified doctors for proper monitoring throughout their pregnancies. Delaying or avoiding medical attention until the last minute can lead to complications that could have been prevented with timely medical intervention. He stressed that pregnant women should not wait until it is too late to seek help, as this could lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations for both mother and child.
In addition to these warnings, Dr. Egbe advised families to prepare adequately for childbirth by saving money and planning for hospital deliveries well in advance. He acknowledged that financial constraints can sometimes make hospital deliveries seem out of reach for some families, but he encouraged them to prioritize the health and safety of the mother and child by seeking care from registered and qualified medical facilities.
Beyond the concerns surrounding TBAs and untrained midwives, Dr. Egbe also raised awareness about the growing presence of quack doctors operating illegal and unregistered clinics across the country. These so-called “doctors” run fake medical facilities, providing substandard and often dangerous care to vulnerable patients. Dr. Egbe urged people to remain vigilant and to avoid seeking treatment from these quack doctors, who are not qualified to provide medical care.
The rise of untrained midwives and fake medical practitioners is a troubling development in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, and gynaecologists like Dr. Egbe and Dr. Ofem are calling on the government, healthcare institutions, and the public to take action. Strengthening the healthcare system, providing more support for medical professionals, and educating the public about the dangers of unqualified midwives are all crucial steps towards improving maternal health outcomes in the country.
As part of their recommendations, the gynaecologists also called for greater public health campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of professional medical care during pregnancy and childbirth. They believe that with more education and better access to healthcare services, pregnant women will be less inclined to seek out untrained midwives and more likely to prioritize their safety and well-being.
While cultural beliefs and misconceptions may be deeply rooted in communities, it is essential for pregnant women to understand the risks they face when opting for untrained midwives during childbirth. Gynaecologists at UCTH are urging women to choose professional medical care to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both themselves and their babies. By working together to improve education, access, and support, Nigeria can make strides towards reducing maternal mortality rates and improving overall health outcomes for women and children.
