Women’s fears and misconceptions driving them to risky vaginal deliveries

Maternal health experts say lack of awareness, religious beliefs, and high surgery costs discourage pregnant women from accepting Caesarean sections (CS).

A senior health professional lamented that some expectant mothers ignore medical advice due to religious beliefs and societal pressure.

Gynaecologists note that stigma from other women and fear of being labeled “wasteful” make many reject life-saving surgery.

Physicians stress the need for increased public education on CS safety, especially in cases where mother and baby face risks.

Despite medical recommendations, many Nigerian women refuse CS, endangering their lives and their babies, PUNCH Healthwise reports.

Studies show that although 60% of pregnant women understand CS, many reject it due to fear and financial concerns.

High costs, post-operative pain, and societal rejection remain major reasons women decline the procedure, experts reveal.

Research shows that women who require CS but refuse it often suffer fatal consequences alongside their babies.

Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate stands at 512 per 100,000 live births, contributing significantly to global maternal deaths.

Johns Hopkins Medicine defines CS as a surgical procedure involving an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Doctors recommend CS for cases of abnormal foetal position, slow labour, or when the baby is too big for vaginal delivery.

Medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, and previous CS also make the procedure necessary.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that maternal deaths reduce when at least 10% of women undergo CS.

Professor Aniekan Abasiattai, an expert in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, condemns misinformation linking CS to high mortality.

He blames unskilled birth attendants and religious indoctrination for the widespread rejection of the procedure.

Many women scheduled for CS seek traditional birth attendants instead, only to return to hospitals in critical condition.

Abasiattai urges pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics and seek care in accredited health facilities.

“We must ensure that trained professionals handle pregnancies and deliveries,” he stressed.

He calls for strict regulation of unregistered birth attendants misleading pregnant women on CS.

The expert advocates for free or subsidised antenatal and delivery care to encourage CS acceptance.

Professor Ernest Orji of Obafemi Awolowo University highlights the need for massive public reorientation.

He suggests using religious and community gatherings to educate Nigerians on the benefits of CS.

Orji notes that women often mock others who undergo CS, discouraging them from choosing the procedure.

He urges the government to make CS free to ease financial concerns and improve maternal health.

The professor applauds the government’s free CS initiative, calling for its nationwide implementation.

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