Nigeria is facing a maternal health crisis, one that’s both heartbreaking and preventable. According to a recent BBC Africa report, a Nigerian woman dies every seven minutes due to childbirth complications. That’s over 75,000 mothers lost every year. According to the statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, Nigeria ranked #1 globally, with 993 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, making it the most dangerous country in the world to give birth. Many of these deaths are a result of preventable issues like iron deficiency, lack of prenatal care, and poor postnatal nutrition, especially during shortages or when quality healthcare is out of reach.
In the face of this crisis, we must ask: What simple, affordable, and accessible interventions can reduce the risks for pregnant and breastfeeding women in Nigeria?
Before we get into that, let’s analyze the situation.
Why Are Nigerian Women Dying During Childbirth?
According to the BBC report, over 60% of pregnant Nigerian women suffer from anemia due to critical vitamin deficiencies like folic acid and iron, and with only 34% of births attended by skilled professionals, these nutritional and systemic gaps are leading to preventable maternal deaths.
Some Key insights include:
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- Many Nigerian women give birth without trained professionals.
- Hospitals often lack basic medical supplies and emergency blood.
- Strikes and underfunded healthcare systems leave many women stranded during labour.
- Poor access to essential nutrients before, during, and after pregnancy further weakens maternal health.
Many of these complications, like postpartum bleeding, obstructed labour, and infections, can be reduced with proper prenatal care and nutrition.
The Role of Nutritional Deficiencies in Maternal Death
Nutritional deficiencies are a major but often overlooked cause of maternal complications in Nigeria. Here’s how specific nutrient gaps contribute to maternal deaths:
Anemia (Iron deficiency)
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases significantly, and the demand for iron rises. When iron levels are low, the body can’t produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Anemic pregnant women are at high risk of Fatigue and dizziness, Weak immune response, and Severe postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding after childbirth), which is a leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
According to UNICEF and the WHO, 61% of pregnant Nigerian women are anemic, significantly increasing the risk of death from blood loss during delivery.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) Deficiency
Folic acid is essential in the early stages of pregnancy, especially for fetal neural tube development (brain and spine). Without enough folic acid in the first trimester, the baby is at risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly.
Low folic acid has also been linked to complications like Premature birth, Low birth weight, and Placental abruption, which can be life-threatening. To avoid such cases, the World Health Organization recommends 400 mcg of folic acid daily starting at least 1 month before conception and during early pregnancy.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are important for bone development and immune function. Many Nigerian women, particularly in urban areas, have limited sun exposure, which can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Low Vitamin D has also been linked to complications like Weakened bones and teeth, increased risk of pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy, Weak immunity, and muscle pain.
Calcium and Magnesium Deficiency
Calcium and Magnesium are for maintaining muscle function, blood pressure regulation, and nerve transmission. Low Calcium can trigger high blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing the risk of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (seizures), which are among the top five causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Low Magnesium may worsen muscle cramps, sleep disturbances, and hypertension. Magnesium sulfate is often used in hospitals to prevent seizures in high-risk pregnancies, highlighting its importance.
How Mama Bear Gummies Solve this Challenge?
In response to the challenges faced during pregnancy, Nutritional supplements that include iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D can ensure sufficient dietary intake, and Mama Bear Gummy is just the right supplement.
Mama Bear Gummies are specially formulated for Nigerian mothers to make prenatal and postnatal nutrition easier, tastier, and more consistent. Here’s how they help:
Iron & Folic Acid for Blood Health & Baby’s Brain
Iron helps prevent anemia, while folic acid supports fetal brain and spine development. Together, they lower the risk of dangerous complications like preterm birth and hemorrhage.
Vitamin D, Calcium & Magnesium for Strong Bones & Blood Pressure
These nutrients protect against weak bones and high blood pressure, especially in areas with low sun exposure or poor diet availability.
B-Vitamins for Energy & Recovery
Vitamin B-complex supports red blood cell production, boosts energy, and postnatal recovery, especially for women navigating new motherhood and daily life.
Easy-to-Chew, Tasty Gummies
Instead of taking pills, Mama Bear Gummies makes it easier for pregnant and breastfeeding mums to stay consistent with their nutrition.
NAFDAC and US FDA Approved
Every bottle is tested and approved for Nigerian pregnant women.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Step Toward Safer Motherhood
We may not be able to fix the entire healthcare system, but we can take small, meaningful steps like helping Nigerian mothers access the daily nutrition they need to stay strong before, during, and after childbirth.
Mama Bear Gummies by Purna Nigeria are more than just supplements. They’re a movement towards healthier, safer motherhood in Nigeria.