Complications of Pregnancy in Kenya: How to Prevent, Diagnose and Manage Health Threats to Mother and Baby

Pregnancy is for most part a joyful and wholesome experience for mother and loved ones. Complications of pregnancy, their identifaction and prompt mangement is important for the best possible outcome.

That said, its important to recognise and prepare to deal with any of the more common health issues that may arise. With improved access to healthcare services, many women are carrying their pregnancies to term without much fuss.

According to UNFA-Kenya, the current maternal morality rate stands at 400-500/100000 live births. The MMR has remained sturbonly and unacceptably high, with an even more worrying increase being witnessed in the last few years.

Incidence of Maternal Near-Miss and Death

• There were 7.2 maternal near misses for every 1,000 live births in Kenyan referral hospitals in 2018.
• For every 100,000 live births, there were an estimated 400-600 maternal deaths.
• Severe bleeding, infections and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were the most common causes of maternal near miss (54% and 26%, respectively) and maternal death (57% and 21%, respectively).

Before we delve into more details, lets look at factors that put a mother to be at risk of complications

Risk Factos for Complications of Pregnancy

There are two main categories of risk factors for pregnancy complications in Kenya:

1. Pre-existing medical conditions and characteristics:

2. Socioeconomic factors and access to care:

• Limited access to healthcare: Not having access to regular prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care significantly increases the risk of complications and mortality.
• Poor sanitation and hygiene: These factors can increase the risk of infections during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Domestic violence: Experiencing violence during pregnancy can lead to stress and negative health outcomes.
• Low socio-economic status: Poverty can limit access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education on healthy pregnancy practices.

Related: Hypertension and Pre-eclampsia in Pregnancy

Additional factors related to complications of pregnancy :

• Geographic location: Some regions in Kenya have higher rates of maternal mortality than others.
• Cultural practices: Certain traditional practices, like female genital mutilation, can increase pregnancy risks.

It’s important to note that having one risk factor does not guarantee complications, and some complications of pregancy can occur even in seemingly low-risk pregnancies. However, being aware of these factors allows for closer monitoring and management of pregnancy to improve health outcomes for both mother and baby.

Important Pregnancy Complications in Kenya

The leading causes of maternal mortality in Kenya are obstetric complications such as:

• Severe bleeding (obstetric hemorrhage)
• Obstructed labor
• Infection
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (e.g. severe preeclampsia, eclampsia)

Other major contributors include indirect causes such as:

• HIV/AIDS
• Malaria
• Anemia

Unsafe abortion, though poorly documented, is also a major factor which may account for up to 14% of all maternal deaths worldwide.

Barriers to Accessing Care

Pregnant women from remote areas are especially at risk due to barriers to lifesaving reproductive health care, including:

• Long travel times to reach a health facility
• Lack of access to high quality antenatal care
• Insufficient access to emergency obstetric care, including cesarean sections
• Health facilities lacking basic resources like electricity and water

What can you do to reduce the risk for comlications during your Pregnancy

Prevention is always better thean cure. With the knowlege of what and why complications occur, lets see how you can prevent or spot them early

Preconception and Early Pregnancy:

• Plan your pregnancy: If possible, try to achieve a healthy weight before conception. Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with a healthcare provider to ensure they are well-managed.
• Prenatal vitamins: Start taking folic acid supplements even before conception and continue throughout pregnancy. Consider a prenatal vitamin recommended by your doctor.
• Seek early and regular prenatal care: This allows for early detection and management of potential problems. A healthcare provider can establish a personalized plan for a healthy pregnancy.

Healthy Lifestyle Practices:

Your lifestyle choices can go along way in avoiding complications of pregnancy and ensuring a wholesome experience. These include:-

• Maintain a balanced diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate exercise most days of the week with your doctor’s approval.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs: These substances can significantly harm your baby’s development.

Knowledge and Awareness:

• Educate yourself: Learn about pregnancy stages, common discomforts, and warning signs of complications.
• Ask questions and voice concerns: Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions and discuss any concerns you have.
• Attend childbirth education classes: Learn about labor, delivery, and newborn care.

Additional tips to help avoid complications of pregnancy

• Find a skilled birth attendant: Seek prenatal care and delivery services from a qualified midwife, doctor, or nurse.
• Adhere to recommended testing: Follow your doctor’s guidance for prenatal screening tests and vaccinations.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently and maintain a clean environment to reduce the risk of infections.

Remember: This advice is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with your healthcare providers for personalized recommendations throughout the pregnancy.