Medical experts have warned that malaria that is not properly diagnosed and treated during pregnancy can seriously affect the growth and survival of unborn babies.
According to obstetricians and gynaecologists, malaria parasites can damage the placenta, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing foetus. This can lead to complications such as restricted growth, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and, in severe cases, foetal death.
The specialists explained that pregnancy naturally weakens a woman's immune system, making expectant mothers more vulnerable to malaria and its complications. They stressed that prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive care are essential to safeguard both mother and baby.
The World Health Organization estimates that millions of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa contract malaria each year, with hundreds of thousands of babies born with low birth weight as a result. Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by the disease, accounting for a significant share of global malaria cases and deaths.
Professor Aniekan Abasiattai, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said malaria parasites can accumulate in the placenta even when they are not detected in the mother's bloodstream, disrupting the baby's development.
He noted that untreated malaria can also cause severe anaemia in pregnant women, further limiting oxygen delivery to the unborn child and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.
Another consultant obstetrician, Dr. Olanrewaju Jimoh, warned that malaria should never be considered an "ordinary illness" during pregnancy. He explained that the infection can inflame the placenta and, in rare cases, cross into the unborn baby, causing congenital malaria.
Babies born with congenital malaria may experience jaundice, breathing difficulties, blood sugar abnormalities, and other life-threatening conditions requiring intensive medical care.
The experts also highlighted the importance of attending antenatal clinics and receiving intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, as recommended by the World Health Organization. They said the preventive medication has been proven to reduce the risk of placental malaria, congenital malaria, and other pregnancy-related complications.
Health professionals urged pregnant women to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of malaria and to complete prescribed treatment to protect both their health and that of their babies.
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