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Experts caution against pregnancy beyond 10 months

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***Says, its normal

By Francesca Hangeior

Seasoned maternal health experts have debunked claims and myths that a woman could be pregnant for three years or more.

The consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists asserted that an average pregnancy in humans could only last for 42 weeks or 10 months, stating that pregnancy lasting beyond this period was abnormal and has no place in medicine.

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They noted that after 42 weeks of gestation, the placenta, which is an organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to a developing baby in the uterus, would decline, leading to the death of the foetus.

The experts’ comment is in response to the recent eight-year pregnancy claim by a middle-aged woman, Janet Dada.

Dada claimed that she suffered a miscarriage in 2016 and after that got pregnant, stating that since then, she had yet to deliver the baby.

Although she clarified that several ultrasound scans showed she was not carrying a baby, spiritualists whom she visited assured her she was pregnant.

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In October, former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said his late mother carried him in her womb for three-and-half years.

He described his birth as a miracle, noting that the prolonged pregnancy created a wave of unbelief as to whether he was a human being.

In July, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said that his mother carried his pregnancy for 12 months before his birth.

He ascribed the delay to the influence of some witches and wizards who gave his mother a tough time before God’s intervention.

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However, in exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the leading maternal health specialists, affirmed that since pregnancy was counted from the first day of the last menstrual period, women who stop menstruation for some months and later on ovulate and conceive, could have a challenge with accurate pregnancy dating.

The gynaecologists called for proper pregnancy education and urged every pregnant woman to register for antenatal care early and be regular with their appointments.

A former President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Rotimi Akinola, stated that a normal pregnancy could not exceed 42 weeks.

He clarified that the claims of pregnancies lasting three to eight years could indicate that these women likely experienced menstrual irregularities, then suddenly ovulated and conceived, mistakenly calculating their pregnancy from the date of their last period.

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“Oftentimes those who have that are people who have irregular periods. So when they are not pregnant, they think they are and we’ve had such occasions when they will insist. We count pregnancy from the last time you saw your period but it’s not always pregnancy that makes you not see your period,” the don said.

Continuing, Akinola said, “ Usually, if somebody has ovarian cancer and has plenty of fluid in the abdomen, it’s called ascites. They might not even be seeing their period simply because of the tumour. So they might think it’s pregnancy and it might last for a very long time, which is a possibility.

“Any tumour in the abdomen that makes the tummy big will appear like a pregnancy but an ultrasound scan will show that there is no baby there.”

The gynaecologist stated that such women needed to be operated on to remove the cysts.

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He noted that some women in such conditions usually believed their spiritual leaders’ assurances that they were carrying a baby, noting that this fuelled late hospital presentations and an increase in mortality rate.

The gynaecologist called for more education, advocacy and information on health matters.

“We continue to educate people that not everything is spiritual. But some people who are even educated still fall for that because of being desperate to conceive.

“There’s something called pseudocyesis, false pregnancy that those who wish to be pregnant desperately, or those who fear pregnancy so much, then suddenly they don’t see their period, their tummy begins to grow and their breasts begin to be full but when you do a pregnancy test, it will be negative and a scan won’t show anything. They might stay like that for three or four years. It’s a psychiatric problem rather than a medical problem.

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“It’s psychological because they believe so. So the brain is playing tricks with them. It usually lies within the purview of a psychiatrist or psychologist to treat them so that their system will get back to normal,” Akinola said.

Also, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Abubakar Panti, noted that 40 weeks was the average timeline used scientifically to track and anticipate foetal development, and to plan health care.

“When a pregnancy goes beyond 42 weeks, it’s considered post-term. To give enough room for some people’s pregnancy that will be beyond that 42 weeks, that is why some people say, the highest 50 weeks. So by the time you say 50 weeks, you’ll be talking about 10 months pregnant which sometimes it can’t go beyond that,” Panti clarified.

The gynaecologist stated that claims of three to eight years of pregnancy were scientifically unfounded and medically impossible.

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He added that when such claims arose, three types of explanation could be given.

“One is that when you have something called molar pregnancy or gestational trophoblastic disease. In rare cases, some pregnancies develop into abnormal forms known as gestational trophoblastic disease, which includes molar pregnancy. These conditions involve abnormal tissue growth in the uterus.

“Sometimes forming a mass that resembles a pregnancy but you may not see a viable uterus. So this may cause the uterus to enlarge, but they do not result in living, growing babies. So these masses usually need medical treatment, often surgical, and can persist for many years if not properly removed,” the fertility expert said.

He added that the other explanation was the myth and misunderstandings of abdominal masses such as abdominal tumours or cysts, which could grow and expand over time, causing symptoms similar to pregnancy.

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He further said that such abdominal swellings and discomfort could be mistaken for pregnancy, especially in regions where access to medical imaging is limited.

Panti explained, “You can imagine somebody is carrying a huge fibroid, and then suddenly gets pregnant, where will you start counting from? You start counting from where you notice the mass.”

Continuing, the gynaecologist said, “A woman can just cease not to menstruate for more than a year and then instead of her menstruating, pregnancy just happened along the way. So where will she start counting that pregnancy? You start counting from when she was not pregnant.

“In some rare instances, the foetus can die in utero, like early in pregnancy, and instead of being expelled, it calcifies to form a phenomenon known as lithopedium, like stone pregnancies, stone baby and may be mistaken for a pregnancy lasting years because they are there and they pose no threat of delivering a living baby.

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“The last one is usually a cultural and superstitious explanation. In some cultures, myths and misunderstandings about pregnancy can lead to extraordinary claims. This may be rooted in folklore or used to explain unusual medical conditions that aren’t fully understood within a community. However, from a scientific standpoint, this explanation does not reflect a true pregnancy. So the bottom line is that no human pregnancy can physiologically last for years.”

He asserted that claims of multi-year pregnancy were often due to misunderstanding and other medical conditions.

The don emphasised that placenta function began to decline after 42 weeks, noting that babies who stayed beyond such period may not survive.

Panti noted that these claims had serious implications for maternal mortality rates and safe delivery outcomes, particularly in settings where access to healthcare and accurate information was limited.

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He added that the belief in prolonged pregnancy could cause other pregnant women to delay seeking medical intervention and prenatal care, exposing such mother and baby to risks of hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy and haemorrhage further increasing complications during labour.

The maternal health expert called for a multifaceted approach that combined education, healthcare access, community engagement and policy support to debunk myths about prolonged pregnancies and improve maternal health outcomes.

Panti advocated culturally sensitive educational programs chosen carefully and presented in local languages to address myths about pregnancy and make information about pregnancy timelines, prenatal care and common complications accessible and reliable.

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See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London

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The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea


Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea


Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea


“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.

Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.

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“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”

Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.

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Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.

Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”

“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.

“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.

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Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

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The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.

Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.

Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.

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Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.

According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.

On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.

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Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation

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By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps. Tajudeen Abbas, has lamented that the health sector is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries, despite the considerable amount is allocated annually by the Federal Government.
The Speaker also said alot more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.
Abbas stated this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.
The Bills are “A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018”; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021”; “A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act”; and “A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria”.
The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Obordor Mitema, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said it was for this reason that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the urgency of this situation, prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.
According to him, this was to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it receives the necessary support partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria are being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future we shall see vast improvement.
He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.
“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.
“It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.
“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.”
Speaker Abbas commended the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bassey Akiba and the entire members of the committee for organizing this hearing.
He said it is a reflection of their commitment and support to do their quota towards helping Nigerians achieve not only better health but having access to better healthcare.
“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.
“The House Committee on Healthcare Services and other Health related Committees of the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly are fully committed to doing their part by initiating and amending laws that will always be people friendly with the aim of bringing succor and positive changes towards the Health sector in Nigeria.,” he said.
Rep. Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years has gone through a myriad of challenges.
The challenges, according to him, includes the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.
“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact possibly other people.
“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance. Like I mentioned, there are four bills.
“Three of these bills are an amendment bill, three of the bills are an amendment bill, and one is an establishment bill. I wish to assure you all that as legislators and members of the Committee on Health Care Services.
“We are conscious of our constitutional and legislative resources towards the people. We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and support any genuine effort required to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said, A Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.
The Association said the Medical Residency Training Act was a bill primarily sponsored by Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), an affiliate member.
First Vice President of the NMA, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin, said It was a surprise to them that the primary constituency on the Bill was never contacted for input.
He urged that the Bill be stepped down to get more input of relevant stakeholders.
“So, in solidarity to our affiliate NARD and the validation of the Medical Residency Training Act we strongly advise that this bill be stepped down until every stakeholder involved and primarily NARD and then NMA is on the table from the very beginning,” he said.
Stakeholders who attended the hearing included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Committee of Chief Medical Directors among others.
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Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed  the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to provide details of all projects embarked on in the last year.
The Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi gave the directive when the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mary Ogbe, appeared before it to defend the 2024 budget.
The committee members expressed displeasure with the inconsistencies in the presentation by the Permanent Secretary and resolved that all documents pertaining to all jobs carried out by the Ministry be made available before next Tuesday.
The lawmakers also queried the Ministry for not capturing most of the projects it embarked on in the presentation it made.
Gbefwi said, “We are expecting the budget and we cannot appropriate if we do not know the true status of the utilisation of what has been given you in 2024.
“We were quite detailed when we sent you then documents we required. You must provide details of all the projects, budget codes, budget items, appropriated amount, contractors, amount awarded, date of award, the status of the projects, the percentage with regards to performance, and the lot numbers among others.
“So all these individual items must be captured in detail in this document so that Nigerians would know how the money that has been appropriated has been utilised.
“There are a number of projects that were not captured in the presentation to the Committee. There was no explanation whatsoever.
“Don’t give us any half baked documents again. Every line must be adhered to. And give us the advertisment that was done, the code the contractors and everything. Even if it is before. FEC. Kindly put it in the remark section. Go and work on your documents again and make proper presentation. Let’s have a comprehensive submission,” he said.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary said a total of N25.05 billion was appropriated as expenditure outlay for the ministry in the 2024 budget.
“This comprised of 894.4 million as overhead cost and 23.15 billion as capital expenditure. The personnel cost of the Ministry was captured in the captured still in the Ministry of Steel Development for 2024 because the personnel separation  had not been fully executed.
“On appropriation releases to the Ministry, she said for overhead, the total appropriation is N895, 441, 335. As at October 31st 2024, N745, 367, 779 had been released. Balances as at October 31, is N149, 073, 555. Percentage of releases of the appropriation for the overhead is 83 percent. Expenditure on release is the same amount that has been released. So there is a hundred percent performance. For capital appropriation it is N23, 150, 884, 863. Out of which N2, 724, 818, 977 has been released. 11 percent had been released and percentage performance is 100 percent.
“The Ministry achieved a 100 percent utilisation mainly of non debt recurrent expenditure and the percentage utilisation in capital as at the end October is 11 percent. This is because procurement process is still ongoing and some are awaiting FEC approval. With the bottom up cash plan, works must be executed before payment,” she said.
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