African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 2 (8), pp. 241-243, August 2003

ISSN 1684-5315  © 2003 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Rhesus negative pregnant women in a traditional birth home in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Idowu, O.A.^1*, Mafiana, C.F. ¹ and Sotiloye, Dapo²

¹Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture,Abeokuta, Nigeria

²Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria

*Corresponding author; E-mail: tomiwo2@yahoo.com   

Accepted 23 July 2003

In a survey of 200 pregnant women (mean age 24 years) attending a traditional birth home (TBH) in Abeokuta, Nigeria, 19 (9.5%) were found to be rhesus negative, 8 (42.1%) of which were primigravidae while 11 (57.9%) were multigravidae. 87.5% of the Rhesus negative primigravidae delivered at the TBH without being given the post partum injection of anti-D-gama globulin within 72 h of delivery, thereby having their systems likely sensitized (if baby is rhesus positive) against subsequent pregnancies involving Rhesus positive fetuses. Of the multigravidae involved in this study 27.3% women delivered live babies at the traditional birth home while the remaining 72.7% women were not seen again at the TBH.  One woman who has had an induced abortion and was carrying a second pregnancy lost the pregnancy in the course of this study. The knowledge of these women (who were mostly without formal education) on their haematological status is nil. The need to educate the public, especially women patronizing TBH, on the rhesus problem is recommended.

Key words: Pregnancy, Rhesus factor, traditional birth home.