Bleeding in Pregnancy: Anambra Health Ministry Urges Women to Seek Immediate Medical Care

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Ministry of Health has urged pregnant women to seek immediate medical attention whenever they experience bleeding during pregnancy, warning that the symptom could indicate a potentially life-threatening emergency.

The warning was issued during the ministry’s monthly health webinar on Monday, themed “Bleeding in Pregnancy: A Warning Sign That Should Never Be Ignored.”

The webinar, facilitated by Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, featured a presentation by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Princeton Okam.

Okam said bleeding remained a major contributor to maternal deaths globally and in Nigeria, noting that it could occur at any stage of pregnancy and range from mild spotting to severe haemorrhage.

He explained that bleeding in early pregnancy could be associated with conditions such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, which can become life-threatening if a ruptured ectopic pregnancy causes severe internal bleeding.

According to him, placenta praevia, placental abruption and vasa praevia are among the significant causes of bleeding in the second and third trimesters.

He warned that some of these conditions could develop suddenly, making prompt medical intervention critical.

“The quantity of blood seen externally does not always indicate the severity of the condition. Pregnant women and their families must take every episode of bleeding seriously,” Okam said.

He identified heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, severe abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, weakness, confusion, paleness and changes in vital signs as warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

The specialist advised pregnant women not to remain at home waiting for the bleeding to stop or resort to self-medication, but to proceed immediately to the nearest health facility.

He also stressed the need for healthcare workers to prioritise the assessment and stabilisation of pregnant women who present with significant bleeding, including checking for signs of shock, calling for assistance early and commencing appropriate emergency management without unnecessary delay.

The webinar further highlighted the importance of regular antenatal care, early assessment, appropriate investigations and clear communication with pregnant women and their families.

In her concluding remarks, Mbagwu said bleeding during pregnancy was a symptom rather than a diagnosis and should always be medically assessed.

“Every episode of bleeding requires proper medical assessment because early recognition and timely treatment can save the lives of both mother and baby,” she said.

Mbagwu explained that the monthly webinar was an initiative of the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, designed to raise public awareness about topical health issues.

She said the programme also seeks to strengthen medical practice in the state by creating a platform where health professionals can share knowledge and experiences.

“The idea is to have a population that is conscious of their health and willing to take the right actions.

“We are also targeting the webinar as a way of improving medical practice in the state through expositions from experts in various medical fields. Experiences are shared and the overall health system in the state is ultimately improved,” Mbagwu said.

The next edition of the webinar is scheduled for November 2, 2026.

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