This
is a very common traditional practice in most African countries especially here
in Nigeria. In Nigeria it is carried out mostly by the northerners, Urhobos, Ibos,
Ijaws and some other ethnic groups in the Nation. The reason of the practice is
assumed that, abdominal massaging serve as a therapy of relieving unnecessary
pains and also preparing the pregnant woman until her day of delivery. It can
be also refer as
is a very common traditional practice in most African countries especially here
in Nigeria. In Nigeria it is carried out mostly by the northerners, Urhobos, Ibos,
Ijaws and some other ethnic groups in the Nation. The reason of the practice is
assumed that, abdominal massaging serve as a therapy of relieving unnecessary
pains and also preparing the pregnant woman until her day of delivery. It can
be also refer as
traditional antenatal technique because it is carried out by
the traditional birth attendants in their home communities on the pregnant
woman. It involves the massaging of the abdomen of a pregnant woman. It is normally
done during the 1st trimester and 3rd trimester before delivery by the
traditional birth attendant.
Implication
1.) In the 1st trimester, it can result to miscarriage due to
placental abruptio during massaging.
placental abruptio during massaging.
2.) When it is done in between the 2nd and 3rd trimester, it can
lead to forced or early engagement that might possibly prompt pre-mature
labour.
lead to forced or early engagement that might possibly prompt pre-mature
labour.
3.) It can cause mal-position of the foetus
and the placental Parts in the uterus.
and the placental Parts in the uterus.
Actions
1.) There should be strict discouragement of abdominal massaging
in the communities during ANC by the HW.
in the communities during ANC by the HW.
2.) Health education or training of traditional birth attendants
to adopt new technique of conducting ANC.
to adopt new technique of conducting ANC.
