Vusumuzi Dube
BULAWAYO’S maternity services have been hit by a worrying trend, with 40 babies born before their mothers could reach health facilities in September, a 60 percent jump from the previous month.
The latest Bulawayo City Council report shows that the number of babies recorded as Born Before Arrival (BBA) increased from 25 to 40, raising concern over why more expectant mothers are failing to deliver at health facilities.
The figures come at a time when institutional deliveries at council health facilities dipped slightly from 274 in August to 272 in September.
Council described the increase in babies born before arrival as a serious cause for concern, saying there was a need to establish what was preventing communities from delivering at health facilities.
The report states: “Born Before Arrival (BBA) increased by 60 percent. This was a serious cause of concern; there was need to determine factors that prevent communities from delivering at health facilities.”
The figures raise questions about the challenges expectant mothers face in accessing maternity services, including transport difficulties, the availability of emergency assistance and the ability to reach clinics in time.
However, Council has not yet established the reasons behind the increase.
The report also shows that new antenatal care bookings increased from 946 in August to 1 174 in September, while repeat visits declined from 2 635 to 2 180.
This means that despite an increase in new antenatal bookings, the number of babies born before arrival continued to rise.
The figures have placed the spotlight on the importance of early antenatal bookings, regular pregnancy check-ups and timely access to skilled maternity care.
For mothers and newborns, giving birth before reaching a health facility can expose them to risks, particularly where complications arise and skilled medical assistance is not immediately available.
