Kakamega, Kenya – Women planning to start a family are being advised to seek medical assessment prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of preterm births. Dr. Roseline Malangachi, a pediatrician at Kakamega General Hospital, emphasized the importance of early medical consultations for detecting chronic illnesses and other factors that could lead to premature delivery.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Malangachi, speaking in Kakamega during the World Prematurity Day observance, pointed out that many mothers in western Kenya attend only one antenatal care session and fail to return until childbirth. This lack of regular medical monitoring increases the risk of preterm births. She identified multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, as a leading cause of preterm deliveries in the region, attributing it to limited space in the uterus. Factors such as body size, use of fertility pills, and genetics are believed to contribute to the prevalence of multiple pregnancies.
The pediatrician also noted that young mothers, particularly teenagers, and older women above 35 years are at higher risk of preterm delivery. Teenagers face risks due to the immaturity of their reproductive systems, while older women may have other complications such as fibroids. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions also increase the risk of premature delivery.
Dr. Malangachi detailed that in cases where early delivery is anticipated, healthcare providers can administer antenatal steroids to mature the baby’s lungs, reducing the need for respiratory support after birth. The Kakamega General Hospital, facing a shortage of incubators, is advocating for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), which involves skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the preterm baby to regulate temperature, enhance feeding, and promote bonding.
KMC has proven beneficial in helping preterm babies gain weight faster, experience fewer breathing difficulties, and allow for earlier discharge from hospital care. The approach is recommended by the World Health Organization and the Kenyan Ministry of Health, especially in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Bonface Nyumbile, a consultant pediatrician at the hospital, reported that over 55 percent of newborns admitted to the Kakamega General Hospital Newborn Unit each month are preterm. The hospital admits over 150 babies monthly, with many referrals from lower-level facilities.
To address the increasing need for specialized care for preterm babies, the county government has opened a new Newborn Unit at Malava County Hospital and is establishing another at Butere Sub County hospital. These units aim to reduce congestion at the Kakamega General Hospital Newborn Unit and improve access to care for preterm babies in the region.