Deadly gaps: Why mothers in Kenya are losing babies too soon

Pregnancy is a delicate journey, yet many women unknowingly engage in habits that raise the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first trimester.

Doctors warn that lifestyle choices, untreated health conditions, and delayed access to care are major contributors. 

One of the most dangerous practices is self-medication.

Dr. Clarence Eboso of Vihiga County Referral Hospital stresses that seemingly simple choices can easily lead to the loss of a pregnancy.

“Many expectant mothers buy painkillers or herbal remedies without medical guidance, unaware that some of these substances can trigger uterine contractions or harm the developing fetus,” he explains.

Others continue heavy lifting and strenuous work, which strains the body during the critical early weeks.

“Harmful substances, unbalanced diets, and failure to attend antenatal clinics can be tragic for expectant mothers,” Dr. Eboso adds.

The use of alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs also remains a leading but preventable cause of pregnancy loss. 

On medical grounds, Dr. Eboso explains that early pregnancy losses (first-trimester miscarriages) are often biologically driven by chromosomal abnormalities. 

At the same time, poor nutrition and skipping antenatal visits deny mothers vital screenings for high blood pressure, infections, and diabetes—conditions that can silently threaten both mother and child.

“Untreated infections, poorly controlled chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, undernutrition,” he says.

For instance, he points to studies in Western and Nyanza regions that show higher burdens of adverse pregnancy outcomes. 

Contributing factors include higher rates of malaria in pregnancy, HIV prevalence, adolescent pregnancies, and lower coverage of continuous, quality antenatal care.

“Here in Western, studies show that clinically detected miscarriages are common. Community cohort research in rural western Kenya found cumulative miscarriage probabilities approaching 19 percent,” he explains.

He adds that poor readiness of health facilities to deliver basic newborn care often compounds the risk.

In some regions, long distances to referral hospitals, shortages of skilled birth attendants, and gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) contribute to infections in both mothers and newborns. 

These challenges often result in late presentation when complications arise.

“Many early losses happen because mothers did not get continuous, quality antenatal care. Infections go untreated, pre-eclampsia is not identified early, and referrals are delayed,” Dr. Eboso says. “If we close the gaps in antenatal care, iron and infection screening, and ensure skilled attendance at birth, we could prevent a large share of these tragedies.”

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that many women in Kenya lose pregnancies or babies in the first weeks of life for reasons that are often preventable. 

Early pregnancy loss (miscarriage) and neonatal death (within the first 28 days) together account for a large share of reproductive losses.

Kenya’s 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) reports a neonatal mortality rate of about 21 deaths per 1,000 live births and an infant mortality rate of 32 per 1,000—meaning a large proportion of child deaths occur within the first month of life.

Medical experts recommend strengthening antenatal care (ANC) and expanding family planning and preconception services. Addressing chronic disease and malnutrition before conception reduces unintended pregnancies and improves maternal health. Wider contraceptive access also lowers the number of high-risk pregnancies and allows healthier pregnancy timing.

Finally, experts emphasize the importance of better data and vital registration.

 Improved tracking of miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths through civil registration and facility reporting would help counties plan targeted interventions and reduce preventable losses.

Dr Eboso urges the government and health sector stakeholders to enhance collaboration and form sustainable partnerships to deal with the persistently high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya.