Health
Why Bleeding In Pregnancy Can Be Dangerous
A woman cannot be pregnant and be menstruating at the same time, according to maternal health expert Dr. Labaran Aliyu. She also cautions that any bleeding that is noticed after the pregnancy has been confirmed is dangerous and may indicate placenta previa, a condition where the placenta is located abnormally.
Obstetrician and gynecologists’ Aliyu stated that bleeding during pregnancy is an indication of difficulties and advised pregnant women suffering such to consult a specialist in a hospital for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Aliyu practises at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano State.
According to the Mayo Clinic, placenta previa is a complication during pregnancy when the placenta totally or partially obstructs the uterus’ opening (cervix).
“The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. In most pregnancies, the placenta attaches at the top or on the side of the uterus. In placenta previa, the placenta attaches low in the uterus.
“The placenta might partially or completely cover the opening of the uterus, called the cervix. Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding in the mother before, during or after delivery”, it stated.
The major contributors to maternal deaths according to experts are severe bleeding (hemorrhage), infections, high blood pressure, complications from delivery and unsafe abortion.
Speaking in an interview with Journalist, the Associate Professor, Obstetrician and Gynecologists’ at Bayero University, said pregnant women experiencing any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy should not take it lightly.
According to him, bleeding in pregnancy is abnormal and a sign that there is a problem with the pregnancy.
The physician said women should not take vaginal bleeding at such a time to mean menstruation, warning that it could also be a sign of miscarriage, especially at the early stage of the pregnancy.
Aliyu said, “A woman can’t be pregnant and menstruating. Any bleeding seen after the confirmation of pregnancy is abnormal and a sign of a problem.
“Any pregnant woman experiencing such should go to the hospital to see an expert for proper investigation and to ascertain the cause of the bleeding.
“If the bleeding is during early pregnancy, it is a sign of miscarriage. There are different types of miscarriages. It can be threatened or it has happened or the foetus has died and not yet been expelled.
“Whatever it is, if there is bleeding after the confirmation of pregnancy during the earlier stage, it means there is a problem with the pregnancy. “
The gynaecologist argued that the first sign of pregnancy is the absence of menses.
“If a woman is of reproductive age and she doesn’t see her menses, the first thing that comes to mind is that she is pregnant. So, if pregnancy is confirmed and bleeding comes back, it means that pregnancy is complicated and there is a problem with it.
“When a woman is pregnant and she is bleeding, there is nothing like seeing her menses during the pregnancy. Bleeding in pregnancy is a dangerous sign.
“It is only the doctors that will confirm what the problem is and give the appropriate treatment. So, no woman should take bleeding in pregnancy lightly. It must be investigated, cause confirmed and treatment given”, he said.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, bleeding in the first trimester happens to about 15–25 per cent of pregnant women, adding that bleeding later in pregnancy can be more serious.
The maternal health expert further said, “Now, if the bleeding happens later in the pregnancy, like around six to nine months, it can still be a sign of miscarriage or a sign that the placenta is located in an abnormal place.
“When the placenta lies low in the uterus, it may partly or completely cover the cervix. This is called Placenta previa and may cause vaginal bleeding. So, this is one form of bleeding later in pregnancy.
“If the woman is bleeding around eight months of the pregnancy and then she has abdominal pain, it is called Placental abruption. Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus before the foetus is born.
“So, these are major causes of bleeding in the later part of a pregnancy. Other causes of bleeding in pregnancy include infection and cervical cancer.”
Aliyu expressed concern at the way and manner most Nigerian women, especially those in the rural areas handle issues that affect their health, noting that it contributes to the high rate of maternal and infant mortality in the country.
“Most women don’t go to the hospital for proper check-up if there is a problem with their health. Instead, they attribute it to something else and later the problem will worsen.
“None of these causes of bleeding in pregnancy should be neglected by any pregnant woman because they are all dangerous. Women must make sure that whenever they have bleeding in pregnancy, they go to the hospital for proper evaluation, investigation and treatment”, he said.
Researchers claim that as many as half of all pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries have anaemia, according to a 2018 study on the risk of maternal death in women with severe anaemia during pregnancy.
The World Health Organisation said that in 2020, there were over 287,000 maternal and neonatal deaths among women. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for almost 70% of maternal deaths in these statistics.
A cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 1,160 confirmed cases recorded in three local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
She revealed that 15 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, which was confirmed through laboratory tests.
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“Out of 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” Dr. Balarabe said.
In response, the state government has ramped up efforts to curtail the spread of the infection, which is caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
“The state rescue teams are collaborating with the government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease,” the commissioner stated.
To address the crisis, the government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of essential drugs free of charge to all 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Balarabe urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved sanitation and clean water access in affected communities, as health authorities work to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.
Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.
Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.
While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.
“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.
Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:
Clear or Very Light Yellow
This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.
Light to Medium Yellow
Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.
Dark Yellow to Amber
A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.
Orange
Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.
Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.
Pink or Red
While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.
Brown or Cola-Colored
This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.
Blue or Green
Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Cloudy or Milky
Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.
Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.
“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.
By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.
Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Friday.
This action follows a 15-day notice of industrial action issued to the Federal Government.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s primary demands, emphasizing a need for immediate action to address ongoing concerns affecting healthcare workers across the nation.
Key demands include the urgent implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and the payment of a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.
The union is also calling for an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.
Minjibir urged all union members nationwide to adhere to the strike directive, underscoring that compliance would be essential in pushing for their demands.
Details shortly………….
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