Health experts have raised concern over what they describe as a growing tendency among some pregnant women, particularly in urban areas, to delay or skip antenatal care, warning that the trend is contributing to preventable complications and maternal deaths.
The warning was issued during the launch of the second edition of the Independence Marathon, also known as the Imarathon, where health professionals said excessive bleeding during childbirth remains one of Uganda’s leading causes of maternal mortality despite the availability of preventive interventions.
Stephen Beyanga, Hospital Administrator and Head of Training at TMR International Hospital, said many cases of severe bleeding can be prevented if expectant mothers attend antenatal clinics early and consistently throughout pregnancy.
According to Beyanga, health workers are increasingly encountering women who seek medical attention only when labour begins, leaving little opportunity to detect or manage conditions that could lead to life-threatening complications.
He attributed the trend to changing lifestyles, misinformation and delayed health-seeking behaviour, urging families to support pregnant women to complete their recommended antenatal visits.
Dr. Ruth Grace Babirye Kakoba, Technical Advisor for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Ministry of Health, echoed the concern, saying some educated and financially stable women are increasingly choosing to bypass routine antenatal care or opt for home deliveries instead of giving birth in health facilities.
She warned that while some mothers survive childbirth without complications, excessive bleeding can leave women with long-term health consequences, including loss of fertility in severe cases.
Health experts say antenatal care allows health workers to identify conditions such as anaemia, high blood pressure, abnormal placental development and other pregnancy-related complications before they become emergencies during delivery.
Uganda has made progress in reducing maternal mortality over the years, but postpartum haemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading direct causes of maternal deaths. The Ministry of Health has continued to encourage women to begin antenatal care early in pregnancy and deliver in health facilities where skilled birth attendants can respond quickly to emergencies.
The concerns were raised as government, private hospitals and corporate organisations launched this year’s Independence Marathon, an annual event intended to mobilise public awareness and support for maternal health initiatives.
Besides the marathon, organisers said the campaign will include blood donation drives, free medical services and community health education to encourage safe motherhood and strengthen emergency response for mothers experiencing childbirth complications.
Lead organizer Robert Kabushenga said this year’s campaign seeks to increase public awareness about preventable maternal deaths while encouraging more Ugandans to donate blood, which remains critical in managing obstetric emergencies involving severe bleeding. The marathon is scheduled for October 4, with proceeds expected to support maternal health awareness and related interventions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
