Why Maternal and Child Health Matters
Pregnancy, childbirth, and your baby’s first year are transformative experiences—but they can also pose risks without proper care. In Nigeria, thousands of women and children die annually from preventable causes. With the right knowledge and timely action, many of these deaths can be avoided. This guide offers practical, life-saving maternal and newborn care tips backed by trusted health experts like WHO and UNICEF to help you and your baby stay safe and healthy.
Start Maternal Prenatal Care Early
Regular prenatal check-ups are vital for detecting health risks early and improving outcomes for both mother and child. As soon as you confirm your pregnancy, begin antenatal visits. Aim to attend at least four antenatal visits, or more if advised by your healthcare provider. During these visits, you’ll be tested for conditions like anaemia, HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Your blood pressure and fetal growth will be monitored, and you’ll receive iron, folic acid, and malaria preventive treatments as prescribed.
Boost Your Baby’s Health with Good Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy and strong fetal development. Incorporate a variety of foods into your diet, including grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy. Focus on iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach, and beans, and folate-rich foods such as legumes, citrus fruits, and leafy greens. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clean water, and take prescribed prenatal vitamins to support your baby’s growth.
👉 Enrol in NEM Health’s individual and family plans to access comprehensive nutritional counselling and support.
Prepare for a Safe Delivery and Smooth Recovery
Delivering skilled care helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of death. Plan to give birth at a hospital or health centre equipped with trained professionals. Prepare a delivery bag with essentials and arrange emergency transport in advance. After delivery, monitor for danger signs like heavy bleeding, fever, swelling, or weakness, and attend postnatal check-ups within six weeks to ensure a smooth recovery.
Give Your Newborn a Healthy Start
Your newborn’s first few weeks are crucial. Initiate exclusive breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continue for the first six months to provide essential nutrients and immunity. Keep your baby warm, clean, and safe, and monitor for signs of infection, jaundice, or poor feeding.
Protect Your Child from Common Illnesses
Immunisation and good hygiene practices can prevent deadly diseases. Follow Nigeria’s immunisation schedule, which includes vaccines like BCG, OPV, Pentavalent, PCV, and Measles. Use long-lasting insecticidal nets to prevent malaria, practice regular handwashing, use clean water, and ensure proper disposal of your baby’s waste.
Avoid Harmful Traditional Practices
Certain customs can increase health risks. Avoid giving water, herbs, or pap before your baby is six months old. Do not delay seeking medical care due to myths or fear of stigma. Refrain from harmful practices like early cord cutting with non-sterile blades.
Maternal and Infant Danger Signs to Watch For
Recognising early maternal risk signs can save lives. For mothers, watch for severe bleeding, convulsions, severe headache, or high fever. For babies, be alert to difficulty breathing, inability to breastfeed, yellow skin, fever, or cold body temperature. If any of these signs appear, go to a health facility immediately.
👉 Access emergency care services through NEM Health’s extensive plans and hospital network.
Quick Checklist for Healthy Mothers & Babies
Begin antenatal care early and Attend all maternal check-ups
Maintain a balanced, iron-rich diet.
Plan for delivery in a health facility.
Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.
Adhere to immunization schedules.
Use insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria.
Practice good hygiene at home.
Seek immediate medical attention if danger signs appear.
👉 Ensure comprehensive care and coverage by choosing from NEM Health’s tailored plans.
Conclusion
Every mother deserves a safe delivery, and every child deserves a healthy start. By taking proactive steps and utilising available resources, you can significantly improve health outcomes for you and your baby. Share this information with other parents to help improve maternal and child health across Nigeria.
👉 Partner with NEM Health for personalised healthcare solutions—because you and your family deserve expert care, every step of the way.
