Expectant Women Risk Lives & Babies Using Local Pitocin in Kasungu District

Women in T/A Simulemba use local Pitocin to induce labor, risking their lives and babies.

James displaying some of the confiscated local herbs

Kasungu, Malawi- Disturbing reports have surfaced revealing that expectant women in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Simulemba, Kasungu district, are resorting to the use of local Pitocin to induce labour, posing grave risks to both their own lives and the well-being of their babies, writes Faith Kadzanja.

Pitocin, a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin commonly employed to initiate labour and enhance contractions, is being replaced by local herbal concoctions by some women seeking to expedite the birthing process.

Malita Sanudi, one of the women opting for these local herbs, referred to as local Pitocin, explained that they firmly believe in the herbs' efficacy in facilitating labour.

She stated, "We believe that the herbs help to expedite labour, so we consume them either before labour commences or immediately after it starts."

Matias James, the Maternity in Charge at Simulemba Health Centre, revealed that just last month, the facility seized 18 bottles of local Pitocin from 18 expectant women in the labour ward.

Concerns were raised due to the high number of babies experiencing foetal distress during birth and the numerous cases of uterine rupture.

"Upon investigation, we discovered that many women had resorted to using local Pitocin," James said.

"Many women believe that they must use local Pitocin to facilitate their labour. Tragically, one of the cases resulted in a stillbirth."

James also noted that some women who had been advised to undergo caesarean delivery were still utilising the herbs in the hope of delivering naturally.

He urgently appealed to women to refrain from this dangerous practice, emphasising that it often leads to uterine rupture and significantly increases the risk of maternal death.

"We call upon organisations to raise awareness in the communities about the dangers of local Pitocin," he said.

James further said that the facility has been engaging with local chiefs in the community to educate their subjects about the hazards associated with using such herbs.

Simulemba Health Centre witnesses approximately 30 childbirths per week, making it imperative to address this alarming trend swiftly and effectively to safeguard the lives of both mothers and newborns.

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