Umbilical arterial blood lactate as predictor of early neonatal outcome and evaluation of intrapartum asphyxia.

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a leading cause of under-5 mortality and exerts great pressure on the health system. Adequate foetal monitoring in labour is paramount in the early detection of foetal distress to prevent perinatal asphyxia. Several methods of foetal monitoring are in use with varying efficacy.

Maternal mortality in rural northern Nigeria.

We presented a study of maternal mortality over a 4-year period in a tertiary health facility in northern Nigeria. Increased effort is needed in order to meet the millennium development goals.