How Can I Prevent Malaria In Pregnancy And Protect My Unborn Baby?

Introduction

If you're pregnant and living in Nigeria, protecting yourself from malaria is one of the most important things you can do for you and your baby. Nigeria carries 25% of the world's malaria cases and nearly 1 in 5 malaria-related deaths globally. During pregnancy, your body's immune system naturally weakens to protect your baby, which unfortunately makes you more vulnerable to malaria infection. But here's the good news: malaria in pregnancy is preventable, and there are proven ways to keep you and your baby safe.

3 Important Facts About Malaria in Pregnancy

Your baby's lifeline is at risk: When malaria parasites infect the placenta, they prevent it from doing its main job of providing nutrients to your baby. Think of the placenta like a food delivery system - when malaria blocks this system, your baby can't grow properly.

First-time mothers face greater danger: Malaria is particularly problematic for women in their first and second pregnancies and for younger women. Your body builds up some protection against malaria in pregnancy with each pregnancy, so if this is your first baby, taking prevention seriously is especially important.

Prevention is highly affordable: Preventing malaria during pregnancy costs only ₦18k to ₦30k per life saved, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. This means that simple, low-cost actions can save your life and your baby's life.

What Pregnant Women Need to Know

Sleep under a treated mosquito net every night

Insecticide-treated bed nets are one of the most effective tools for preventing malaria. These special nets are treated with safe insecticides that kill mosquitoes. Make sure the net is properly tucked in around your sleeping area each night - no gaps! Even if you feel hot or find it inconvenient, using your net consistently throughout pregnancy can protect both you and your baby.

Take your SP medicine at the clinic

Pregnant women should receive preventive treatment called IPTp starting in the second trimester. This involves taking tablets of a medicine called sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) at your antenatal care visits. You should receive these doses at monthly intervals, with at least three doses before delivery. The medicine is safe for you and your baby and works by clearing any malaria parasites from your body before they can cause harm.

Start antenatal care early

Many Nigerian women register for antenatal care in the second trimester, but 56.6% register late. Try to register as soon as you know you're pregnant. Early registration means you can start malaria prevention early and get all the doses of protective medicine you need.

Know the warning signs

If you develop fever, headache, body aches, or feel extremely tired during pregnancy, go to a health facility immediately. Pregnant women are three times more likely to develop severe malaria than non-pregnant women, so quick treatment is essential.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites during the day

Apply insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin - it's safe during pregnancy. Wear long-sleeved clothing when possible, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Clear stagnant water around your home where mosquitoes breed, clear nearby bushes if possible, and use barrier nets on windows and doors.

The One Most Important Message

If I could share just one thing with all pregnant women in Nigeria, it would be this: Sleep under your treated mosquito net every single night and attend all your antenatal clinic appointments to receive your malaria prevention medicine. Malaria in pregnancy is responsible for 20% of stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa, 11% of all newborn deaths, and 10,000 maternal deaths globally each year - but these deaths are preventable.

Your life and your baby's life are precious. Don't wait until you feel sick. Prevention is easier, safer, and cheaper than treatment. Make that clinic appointment today, sleep under your net tonight, and give your baby the healthy start they deserve. Remember: every pregnant woman in Nigeria is at risk of malaria, but every case of malaria in pregnancy can be prevented.