Introduction
Nigeria loses more mothers during pregnancy and childbirth than almost any other country in the world. Most of these deaths are preventable.
The difference between a safe pregnancy and a tragic one often comes down to one thing knowing what to do and when to seek help.
Every pregnant woman deserves access to accurate information, good medical care, and the confidence to recognise danger signs early.
This guide explains the most important steps every pregnant Nigerian woman should take to protect her health and her baby's health.
Start Antenatal Care Early
Visit a clinic or hospital as soon as you know you are pregnant ideally before 12 weeks of pregnancy. Do not wait until you feel unwell.
Early antenatal care allows doctors, nurses, and midwives to:
- Check your blood pressure and urine for early warning signs of complications
- Test your blood group and haemoglobin level
- Screen for infections such as HIV and hepatitis
- Provide iron and folic acid supplements
- Give tetanus vaccination when appropriate
- Monitor your baby's growth and development
The World Health Organization now recommends 8 antenatal contacts during pregnancy for the best outcomes. However, if this is not possible, attending at least 4 visits is essential, as many pregnancy complications can be detected and treated early during these appointments.
Missing antenatal visits increases risks for both mother and baby.
Take Iron and Folic Acid Every Day
Anaemia ("low blood") remains one of the most common and dangerous complications of pregnancy in Nigeria.
Iron tablets help prevent anaemia, while folic acid helps protect the baby's brain and spinal cord during development.
Important Tips
- Start folic acid before pregnancy if possible, or immediately after discovering you are pregnant
- Take iron tablets every day throughout pregnancy
- If iron tablets cause mild nausea, try taking them with food
- Eat iron-rich foods such as leafy vegetables, beans, meat, fish, and eggs
Both iron and folic acid are available at Amkamed Pharmacy, Gombe State.
Danger Signs Go to Hospital Immediately
Never wait or try to manage these symptoms at home.
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision or visual disturbances
- Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or legs
- Heavy vaginal bleeding at any stage of pregnancy
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Convulsions or fits
- Your baby stops moving or moves much less than usual
These symptoms may indicate serious conditions such as:
Pre-eclampsia
A dangerous pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and organ damage.
Eclampsia
A life-threatening emergency where seizures occur during pregnancy.
Severe Infection
Untreated infections can rapidly become dangerous for both mother and baby.
Obstetric Bleeding
Heavy bleeding during pregnancy is always an emergency.
Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, severe bleeding, and infection remain among the leading causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
Safe Medications During Pregnancy
Many medicines that are safe for other adults may not be safe during pregnancy.
Always tell your doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or healthcare provider that you are pregnant before taking any medication.
Generally Considered Safe
- Paracetamol for pain and fever
- Iron supplements
- Folic acid supplements
- Pregnancy vitamins prescribed by your healthcare provider
- Approved antacids for heartburn
Avoid Without Medical Advice
- Ibuprofen
- Diclofenac
- Unapproved herbal preparations
- Self-prescribed antibiotics
Ibuprofen and diclofenac should be avoided after 20 weeks of pregnancy because they can affect the baby's kidneys and circulation, with particularly serious risks after 30 weeks.
Many herbal preparations have not been adequately tested for safety during pregnancy and should not be assumed to be safe simply because they are natural.
Eat Well for Two Not Twice as Much
Pregnancy increases nutritional needs, but it does not mean you need to eat double portions.
Focus on quality rather than quantity.
Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition
- Eat more protein from fish, eggs, beans, and lean meat
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Choose leafy green vegetables for iron and folate
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
- Reduce excessive salt intake
- Avoid alcohol completely
There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
Support from Family Matters
Pregnancy is not only the responsibility of the mother.
Husbands, partners, and family members can help by:
- Encouraging antenatal attendance
- Helping with transport to clinic appointments
- Supporting healthy nutrition
- Recognising danger signs early
- Seeking emergency care when necessary
Strong family support improves pregnancy outcomes for both mother and baby.
Conclusion
A healthy pregnancy does not happen by chance.
Start antenatal care early. Attend all scheduled visits. Take your iron and folic acid every day. Know the danger signs. Seek medical attention immediately when something feels wrong.
These simple actions save lives.
At Amkamed Pharmacy, Gombe State, our pharmacists can advise you on pregnancy vitamins, iron tablets, folic acid, safe medications during pregnancy, and when to seek urgent medical care.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
Visit Amkamed Pharmacy, Gombe State for iron tablets, folic acid, pregnancy vitamins, and expert guidance for a healthy pregnancy.
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