80-Cent Plastic Pouch Is Saving Thousands of Women From Dying in Childbirth
A birth turns dangerous
Husaina Balarabe, a 26-year-old optometrist, delivered her son Aabid at a hospital in Kano, northern Nigeria. Hours later, she cuddled him in the maternity ward, apparently unaware that she had nearly died.
A simple device tracks blood
Under Balarabe during delivery was a maternal drape: a thin, green plastic sheet with a pouch at one end. The pouch hung off the bed and collected blood as she gave birth.
A mark on the pouch showed the danger level: 300 milliliters, or 10 ounces. The midwife saw blood reach and pass that mark, alerting her to the severity of the bleeding.
An intervention spreads
The low-cost, low-tech device was pioneered in maternity wards in Nigeria and other poor parts of Africa. It is now saving lives across the continent. During reporting in labor wards in northern Nigeria, Stephanie Nolen saw nine women deliver their babies safely.
Key points
- Balarabe survived a postpartum hemorrhage after giving birth in Kano, Nigeria.
- A maternal drape collects blood and marks a danger level of 300 milliliters.
- Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide.
- The low-cost device is now saving lives across Africa.