Unplanned births before arrival at the hospital in a low resource setting: a case series

Unplanned births before arrival at the hospital have significant impacts on maternal and neonatal outcomes all over the world. This is more so in low income countries like Nigeria. Yet, little information is available from low income countries about experiences in cases of unplanned births before arrival at the hospital.

An observational study of 24 consecutive parturients, the case notes were retrieved and necessary information obtained. Literature search was done using PubMed, texts on relevant topic and review of journals.

Twenty-four cases of unplanned births before arrival at the hospital and the consequences are presented. The cases reviewed here were parturients seen at the labour ward of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria Nigeria over a six month period who had unplanned births before arrival at the hospital.

Unplanned births before arrival at the hospital remain a threat to maternal and neonatal health, especially in low income countries like Nigeria. Safe birth planning can substantially address most of the reasons for delays that could lead to unplanned births before arrival and should be a key component of strategies to improve maternal and neonatal health in the community.