Medic urges expectant mothers to avoid self-medication
By Halimat Isah
A consultant paediatrician Dr. Olumide Olumorin has urged pregnant women to avoid self-medication because of the dangers it could have on their unborn child.
Dr. Olumorin gave the advice while responding to questions from callers on “Tiny Beating Hearts on Radio” on Confluence Radio Lokoja.
According to him, there were so many complications accrued to self-aid which could alter the normal growth of foetus and antenatal death.
He however advised women of child bearing age to seek medical attention on certain supplements that could help prepare their body and womb, urging pregnant ones to endeavor to start early antenatal i prenancy to prevent crisis.
The topic for discussion which bothers on “Prematurity: Causes, Prevention and Myths,” extensively taught women some of the early signs to look out for in pregnancy, the causes and preventive measures and how to care for preterm babies, especially “Kangaroo Mother Care” (KMC).
“What is prematurity? Prematurity is a condition when you have your birth three weeks before the baby's estimated due date. In other words, a premature birth is one that occurs before the start of the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies, especially those born very early, often have complicated medical problem,” he added.
Explaining further, Dr. Olumorin said premature babies are also known as preterm babies, preemies, or premies, adding that the likely causes of prematurity could be as a result of cervical incompetence, such as infection, placental problems or genetic problems for example, but in many cases the cause is unknown.
“Look out for signs early enough, antenatal care is very important. Look out for hypertension, some harmful reaction that could be harmful to the baby, urinary tract infection, and malaria. Adhere to preventive measures, dietary conditions and manage the condition as suppose,” he cautioned.
On how to care for preterm babies, Dr. Olumorin advised mothers to keep their preterm safe in a warm room at home, dress them in a diaper, place their preterm often on the chest, skin to skin where there no incubators, and frequent breastfeeding , all these he said will enhance parent-child bonding, and also improve the health of the preemie.
“Your breast milk is the best possible nutrition, and provides antibodies and other substances which enhance the preterm immune response and help them resist infection. In some cases, if it's too difficult for your premature baby to nurse at the breast, you can pump breast milk for feeding through a tube or bottle,” he added.
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