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.
Africa has made remarkable progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted these achievements in her statement to mark this year’s World AIDS Day, themed “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right” on Friday.
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For the first time in 2023, the number of new HIV infections outside sub-Saharan Africa surpassed those within the region, underscoring Africa’s significant progress.
The continent is also a global leader in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets aimed at ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those treated achieve viral suppression.
“Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76,” said Dr. Moeti. “About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.”
Botswana and Namibia were recognized for achieving significant milestones in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, earning silver and bronze tier statuses, respectively, under WHO’s Path to Elimination of HIV initiative.
African countries are also adopting innovative prevention methods, including oral and long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.
Dr. Moeti stressed that while these tools are vital, their impact depends on accessibility.
“The value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility,” she stated, emphasizing the need for investments and policy reforms.
Dr. Moeti called for an end to stigma and discrimination, which she said continue to hinder progress.
“We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender, or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress.”
While celebrating these advancements, Dr. Moeti noted that disease outbreaks across the region pose a challenge to already overburdened health systems.
She emphasized the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centered health care systems to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
“Let’s take this opportunity today to acknowledge the progress, but to also renew our joint commitment to eliminating HIV.
By protecting everyone’s right to health, and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she urged.
Dr. Moeti also highlighted the crucial role of communities in shaping strategies to eliminate barriers to care.
“We must ensure their voices are heard,” she said, emphasizing that the collective efforts of governments, partners, civil society, health care providers, and communities are essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Nigeria requires an estimated $19 million to effectively combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), according to Fatai Oyediran, the National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking at a high-level advocacy meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Oyediran highlighted the urgent need for funding to support the country’s NTD control efforts.
“We developed our NTD master plan in 2023, which runs through 2027, and $19 million is what we need to implement it effectively,” Oyediran stated, emphasizing that adequate investment is crucial to addressing these diseases, which continue to affect millions in Nigeria.
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The World Health Organisation defines NTDs as a diverse group of diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, often leading to devastating health, social, and economic consequences.
These diseases primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical areas and are estimated to impact over one billion people globally.
In Nigeria, NTDs are responsible for a significant portion of the continent’s health burden, with the country contributing to 50% of Africa’s NTD cases and 25% of the global total.
Oyediran underscored the need for a united approach to secure funding and mobilize resources for Nigeria’s NTD control programs.
“One major challenge in addressing NTDs has been inadequate funding. There are about 21 diseases grouped under NTDs; each of them has its own peculiarities. Adequate funding is essential to effectively implementing all the strategies of controlling NTDs,” he explained.
The National Coordinator also called on both federal and state governments to allocate specific budgetary provisions for NTDs.
“Most states currently lack budgetary provisions for these diseases, and this is why we are engaging with health commissioners today. They are expected to communicate with their governors and ministries of budget and planning to establish a dedicated budget line for NTDs,” he said.
Stuart Halford, Director of Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation at United to Combat NTDs, echoed Oyediran’s call for funding, emphasizing that eliminating NTDs should be prioritized due to their severe economic impact.
“There are many health priorities, but eliminating NTDs is equally important because they contribute to economic and productivity losses,” Halford said.
Progress is being made in some states, such as Abia, where NTDs like onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis have been largely controlled.
Abia State Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Uche, revealed that the state was certified in 2022 for breaking the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.
“We began mass administration of drugs as a form of preventive measure, which lasted for 10 years. In 2022, Abia state was certified to have broken the transmission of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis,” he said.
Kwara State has also made strides in the fight against NTDs.
The state’s Health Commissioner, Amina El-Imam, noted that Kwara has successfully eradicated lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, despite the many other health challenges the state faces.
“NTDs are so-called because they have not received appropriate attention and funding over the past years. Unless we refocus on them, we will not be able to achieve eradication as intended,” she warned.
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.
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