Preterm birth: Expert advises mothers on preventative approaches
Neonatologist Urges Women to Take Preventive Steps to Reduce Preterm Births
Neonatologist Dr. Efunbo Dosekun, Co-Founder of Babies Matter Medical Centre (BMMC), a subsidiary of Outreach Signature Hospitals, has urged women planning pregnancy and expectant mothers to take preventive health measures that can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
Dosekun made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
She identified healthy nutrition, folic acid intake, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and protection against hepatitis B and C among the key steps women can take to promote healthier pregnancies and reduce the risk of complications.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a preterm baby is born alive before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. The organisation further classifies preterm births according to gestational age.
Preterm birth remains a leading cause of death among children under five, while some babies who survive may develop long-term disabilities, particularly when they do not receive adequate medical care.
Dosekun stressed that prevention should begin even before pregnancy.
“We all know that a premature baby is a baby that’s born before 37 completed weeks. But the babies that cause a lot of problems are the babies that are less than 32 weeks old.
“Intending mothers must put on a preventative hat or approach, and this starts from even before you get pregnant.
“Outside the country, once you are 18 years of age, you are encouraged to start taking folic acid.”
She explained that folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, a condition that affects the development of the spinal cord and can lead to serious complications, including death and lifelong disability.
Dosekun also advised women planning pregnancy and expectant mothers to maintain good nutrition and take precautions against infections, including sexually transmitted and other viral infections.
She urged women with existing health conditions, genetic concerns, hypertension and other medical conditions to seek care from appropriate specialists before and during pregnancy.
Government Must Strengthen Preterm Care
Dosekun also called on the government to develop and support models of good practice that can improve survival rates among premature babies in Nigeria.
“Worldwide, care of a preterm baby is complicated, but there are some steps that advanced countries have taken to increase the survival chances for premature babies, particularly babies less than 32 weeks.
“These babies don’t need to die if we do the right thing in the country, and that is why we are so passionate about what we are doing at BMMC and also to increase the faith of Nigerians in our health system.
“We interface with doctors, government and our community to change the narrative on how to care for preterm babies.”
Through its work with healthcare professionals, government and communities, BMMC aims to strengthen awareness and improve the quality of care available to premature babies in Nigeria.
