Early detection of fetomaternal haemorrhage can prevent stillbirth, fetal death – Official

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Olusade Adesola, on Friday, stressed the importance for early detection and timely interventions on fetomaternal haemorrhage to avoid fetal death.

She said this at the closing session of the sixth annual general meeting and international scientific conference of the Association of Fetomaternal Medicine Specialists of Nigeria.

Fetal-maternal haemorrhage is the loss of fetal blood cells into the maternal circulation. It takes place in normal pregnancies as well as when there are obstetric or trauma-related complications to pregnancy.

In some cases, the haemorrhage might be large enough to compromise the foetus, resulting in fetal demise, stillbirth, or delivery of a severely anaemic infant.

Represented by the Director-General of, FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mohammed Kawu, Adesola said that there was a need to carry out public awareness campaigns on the importance of prenatal with regards to fetomaternal haemorrhage.

The permanent secretary said that education and awareness programmes targeted at healthcare providers, especially those in rural areas, will play a pivotal role in enhancing their diagnostic skills and improving outcomes.

According to him, equally crucial is the development of a comprehensive referral system that ensures seamless access to specialised care for expectant mothers and their unborn babies.

He said that fatal congenital anomalies pose significant diagnostic and management challenges, not only to healthcare providers but also to families and the broader society.

Adesola said these anomalies can have profound impacts on the health and well-being of the affected individuals, sometimes leading to life-long disabilities and emotional distress for families.

He said that by establishing strong networks between primary healthcare centres, referral hospitals, and specialised units, the FCT administration can guarantee that all patients receive the necessary care at the right time.

“Our collective responsibility as medical professionals and the government is not limited to identifying and managing these anomalies; it also extends to providing comprehensive support to affected families.

“Nigeria, like many developing countries, faces unique obstacles in addressing these challenges, including limited access to specialised medical care, infrastructure challenges, and scarcity of trained personnel.

“Additionally, cultural beliefs and socio-economic factors can further impede early diagnosis and timely intervention. It is crucial for us to acknowledge these challenges and work collaboratively to overcome them.

“One of the most critical aspects in tackling diagnostic and management challenges for fetal congenital anomalies is promoting awareness and education.

“We must focus on creating public awareness campaigns that emphasise the importance of pre-natal care, early detection, and timely interventions.

(NAN)