By Ruth Serwaa Asare
On GTV’s Breakfast Show, an emotional but eye-opening discussion shed light on one of the deadliest pregnancy complications in Ghana, preeclampsia and eclampsia.
Principal Midwife Felicia Mantey Dodoo warned that the condition is a leading cause of maternal and infant deaths.
“Pregnancy-induced hypertension is elevated blood pressure after 20 weeks of gestation, and when it comes with protein in the urine, that is preeclampsia. If it progresses to seizures, we call it eclampsia. These are not caused by anything the mother did wrong, it is simply the presence of the placenta and the pregnancy. But without proper monitoring, both mother and baby can die,” she explained.
She urged women to be alert to persistent symptoms. “A headache that does not go away even after rest, blurred vision, swelling, and pain in the upper abdomen are red flags. These are not normal. They must not be ignored.”
In the studio, Madam Koiwah Koi Larbi, popularly known as Mama K, gave a moving account of surviving the condition four times, though at the cost of losing three of her babies.
“My first pregnancy ended at 27 weeks. I went into seizures and doctors had to take the baby out to save my life. Baby Fiifi weighed less than one kilogram and survived just seven days. I was traumatised. In total, I have lost three babies because of preeclampsia. I should be a mother of four, but today I only have one child. No woman should die giving life,” she shared.
She stressed the need for awareness, preconception care, and family involvement. “Women should prepare before pregnancy and partners must learn the signs too. If families know what to look out for, action can be taken quickly. Quality care should not be a privilege; it must be a right.”
Both women urged regular antenatal care, with Dodoo reminding expectant mothers: “At least eight antenatal visits are needed. At every visit, we check blood pressure, urine, and the baby’s well-being. Early detection is the difference between life and death.”
The discussion closed with a strong call for Ghana’s health system to improve vigilance, stock essential medicines, and provide equitable, quality care to save mothers and their babies.
