According to Dr. Eno Adwoa Yiadom, Head of the Mother and Baby Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal deaths in Ghana.

What is Birth Asphyxia?

Birth asphyxia occurs when a baby’s brain and organs are deprived of oxygen and nutrients before, during, or after birth, potentially resulting in stillbirths or prolonged labor.

Ghana sees approximately one million births annually, with a neonatal mortality rate of 17 per 1,000 live births. This translates to around 170,000 deaths, with 30% attributed to birth asphyxia.

Doctors face significant obstacles in preventing birth asphyxia. One major issue arises when pregnant women fail to follow medical advice, particularly when unusual signs are detected in the womb, such as:

– Baby’s failure to rotate
– Prolonged delivery time

In such cases, doctors may recommend medication or surgery. However, family members and pastors often discourage women from undergoing operations, citing biblical beliefs.

Dr. Yiadom notes that delayed interventions due to family and pastoral pressure increase the risk of birth asphyxia.

Expert Advice

To combat birth asphyxia, Dr. Yiadom urges:

– Early medical attention
– Trust in medical professionals
– Family support for medical decisions

By prioritizing medical expertise and ignoring harmful interference, Ghana can reduce birth asphyxia cases and ensure safer deliveries.