Principal Midwife at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), Felicia Mantey Dodoo, has raised concern about one of Ghana’s deadliest pregnancy complications preeclampsia and eclampsia; warning that they remain the leading causes of maternal and infant deaths.
In a gbcghanaonline.com report on September 3, 2025, she explained that pregnancy-induced hypertension occurs when a woman develops high blood pressure after 20 weeks of gestation.
“When it comes with protein in the urine, that is preeclampsia. If it progresses to seizures, we call it eclampsia. These are not caused by anything the mother did wrong. It is simply the presence of the placenta and the pregnancy. But without proper monitoring, both mother and baby can die,” she stated.
She urged women to pay attention to persistent symptoms.
“A headache that does not go away even after rest, blurred vision, swelling, and pain in the upper abdomen are red flags. These are not normal. They must not be ignored,” she cautioned.
Adding a personal perspective, Madam Koiwah Koi Larbi, popularly known as Mama K, shared her survival story after suffering the condition four times.
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She recounted losing three babies due to preeclampsia.
“My first pregnancy ended at 27 weeks. I went into seizures and doctors had to take the baby out to save my life. Baby Fiifi weighed less than one kilogram and survived just seven days. I was traumatised. In total, I have lost three babies because of preeclampsia. I should be a mother of four, but today I only have one child. No woman should die giving life,” she indicated.
Mama K stressed the importance of awareness, preconception care, and family support.
“Women should prepare before pregnancy and partners must learn the signs too. If families know what to look out for, action can be taken quickly. Quality care should not be a privilege; it must be a right,” she emphasised.
Both women urged expectant mothers to attend regular antenatal care, with Dodoo reminding them that at least eight antenatal visits are needed.
“At least eight antenatal visits are needed. At every visit, we check blood pressure, urine, and the baby’s well-being. Early detection is the difference between life and death,” she said.
Mama K made a strong call for Ghana’s health system to strengthen vigilance, stock essential medicines, and ensure equitable access to quality maternal care to save mothers and their babies.
