Preventing Lead Exposure in Pregnancy: Antenatal Care Helps a Mother Avoid Blood Transfusion

Rabbi Mohammed, a joyful mother of five, has recently welcomed a beautiful, four-day-old baby girl, who is yet to be named. The happiness radiating from Rabbi and her husband is evident, not only celebrating the arrival of their new child but also marking a significant achievement in Rabbi's personal health journey. For the first time in her experience of childbirth, Rabbi did not require a blood transfusion, a crucial development given her history of low blood levels during previous pregnancies. 

In her earlier pregnancies, Rabbi had consistently needed blood transfusions, indicating a serious health concern for her and her family. However, this time, the story is different. While many factors contributed to this positive change, one stands out for Rabbi: her consistent attendance at antenatal care appointments and the practical guidance she received from the Nyankapala Community Health Center during her pregnancy. 

There, she met Iraka Haruna, a dedicated community nurse who had received training on the prevention of lead poisoning in children and pregnant women. UNICEF provided this training through the Ghana Health Service in the Northern region of Ghana. 

The Crucial Role of Antenatal Education 

Iraka has made it her mission to empower women in the community with safe and practical advice to prevent lead poisoning and to make informed dietary decisions during pregnancy. She remembers her first meeting with the Rabbi at the health center, where the Rabbi’s blood levels (Hb) were alarmingly low at 7.0 g/dL. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Iraka took a special interest in Rabbi’s case, seeking to understand her challenges and find solutions to improve her health. 

It became clear that Rabbi’s pregnancy diet included several unrecommended items, notably a substance commonly known as “farin-kasa,” or white baked clay. Research conducted in Ghana indicates that this clay is a source of heavy metals, including lead. “Farin-kasa” is a popular choice among pregnant women in the community because it is believed to alleviate pregnancy-related nausea and is consumed daily despite the potential risks of lead poisoning. 

Lead is a toxic element present in the environment and in products that can silently harm pregnant women and young children. During pregnancy, lead can cross the placenta and cause miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and serious developmental issues in the unborn child. It can also increase the risk of anaemia and high blood pressure in the mother. For children, lead is even more dangerous. It affects brain development, lowers IQ, and can cause learning and behavioural problems such as hyperactivity and aggression. It may also lead to speech delays, stunted growth, and organ damage. 

Overcoming Cultural Practices and Embracing Change 

Through extensive education and counselling from Iraka, Rabbi ultimately stopped consuming the farin-kasa (white baked clay). The positive impact on her health was remarkable—her blood levels improved significantly, rising from 7.0 g/dL to an impressive 14.0 g/dL. 

Despite her success in avoiding lead consumption, Rabbi remains aware of the dangers associated with lead exposure. She emphasizes her commitment to protecting her children from its harmful effects. However, cultural practices persist, as she acknowledges the pressure to use kohl (a black lead-based traditional cosmetic) applied to her child’s face, primarily due to her mother-in-law’s insistence.

This situation highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding cultural traditions and the continuous need for education. Rabbi is proud of her informed decision to abstain from harmful substances. She actively encourages other pregnant women to prioritize their health by attending health centers. She firmly believes that access to proper education about the detrimental effects of lead and available resources can empower women to make healthier choices, leading to healthier pregnancies and safe delivery of children in her community. 

UNICEF is proud to continue empowering health workers like Iraka to educate women in her community about the dangers of lead during and after pregnancy. We appreciate the strong collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and the contributions from the Clarios Foundation through the Healthy Environment for Healthy Children Program. Together, we are ensuring that mothers and children are free and safe from lead exposure.