Don’t Ignore Bleeding in Pregnancy, Anambra Health Ministry Warns

By Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka

The Anambra State Ministry of Health has warned pregnant women against ignoring any form of bleeding during pregnancy, stressing that the condition could signal a serious medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

The warning was issued during the ministry’s monthly webinar held on Monday, with the theme, “Bleeding in Pregnancy: A Warning Sign That Should Never Be Ignored.”

The session, facilitated by Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, featured a presentation by a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Princeton Okam.

Globally, bleeding accounts for about 27 per cent of maternal deaths and remains one of the major causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Okam, bleeding can occur at different stages of pregnancy and may range from mild spotting to severe haemorrhage.

He explained that bleeding in early pregnancy could be associated with miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which can become life-threatening when the ectopic pregnancy ruptures and causes internal bleeding.

He further identified placenta praevia, placental abruption and vasa praevia among the major causes of bleeding during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, noting that some of these conditions can develop suddenly and require urgent medical intervention.

“The quantity of blood seen externally does not always indicate the severity of the condition. Pregnant women and their families must take every episode of bleeding seriously.

“However, heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, severe abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, weakness, confusion, paleness and changes in vital signs are among the warning signs requiring urgent medical attention,” he said.

The webinar emphasised that pregnant women should not remain at home waiting for the bleeding to stop or resort to self-medication, but should proceed immediately to the nearest health facility for proper assessment and treatment.

Healthcare workers were also reminded that when a pregnant woman presents with significant bleeding, the priority should be to assess and stabilise the mother, identify signs of shock, call for help early and commence appropriate emergency management without unnecessary delay.

The webinar further stressed the importance of regular antenatal care, early assessment, appropriate investigations and effective communication with pregnant women and their families.

In her concluding remarks, the facilitator, Dr. Mbagwu, said bleeding during pregnancy was a symptom and not a diagnosis, adding that every episode required proper medical assessment because early recognition and timely treatment could save the lives of both mother and baby.

She explained that the webinar was an initiative of the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, and is held on the first Monday of every month as part of efforts to raise public awareness about topical health issues.

“The idea is to have a population that is conscious of their health and willing to take the right actions.

“We are also targeting the webinar as a way of improving medical practice in the state through expositions from experts in various medical fields. Experiences are shared, and the overall health system in the state is ultimately improved,” Mbagwu noted.