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By Chioma Osuji
A middle-aged Nigerian woman, Janet Dada, and her ‘pregnancy’ has sparked debates on the spirituality of life and medical theories.
Janet, a resident of Ikirin, Ifelodun LGA of Osun State, claimed to have been carrying the pregnancy since 2016.
Monitored by Saturday PUNCH, Janet, spoke to a local TV station, WNTV, saying all the various ultrasound scans revealed she was not carrying a baby but rather had fluid inside her.
However, after various spiritual consultations, she believed she was indeed carrying a child.
She said, “In every spiritual place we went for consultation, they told us I am carrying a baby, but scans didn’t show the baby. Since then, we have been going from one place to another till now.”
Mrs Janet, however, caught the attention of a digital media group named ‘Inside Osogbo’ who through their X page, sought free medical help for her.
They posted, “Call for help: Mrs. Janet Dada is a middle-aged woman who has been carrying a ‘pregnancy’ for nearly eight years. The emotional and physical pain along with the daily stigmatisation has become unbearable.
“We are making an open call on behalf of Mrs Janet Dada to relevant agencies, organisations and individuals, to assist in finding a solution. Your prayers, kindness, and any assistance will go a long way.”
The group on November 3, reported that Janet turned down free surgery offered by a group of doctors on the grounds that her religious leaders warned her not to undertake a caesarean section.
“A team of doctors recently reached out to the family of Mrs Janet Dada to undertake a surgery pro-bono on the woman, and the offer was turned down by the husband, who claimed that their religious leaders had instructed them not to undertake any surgery,” @InsideOsogbo tweeted.
Commenting on Dada’s claim, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, a consultant obstetrician/gynecologist, said it was impossible for any woman to carry a pregnancy for eight years. He added that some women confuse fibroid with pregnancy.
Dr Atanda, who spoke to the Punch correspondent on Thursday, said, “A woman cannot carry a pregnancy for one year. It is not scientifically possible. If a woman says she’s pregnant for 11 or 12 months, it’s likely she had a miscarriage and got pregnant again immediately.
“Pregnancy doesn’t go beyond 44 weeks. The placenta, which supplies nutrients to the baby, is programmed to die after 43 weeks. That is why some women may lose pregnancy at 43 or 44 weeks.
“I have seen cases where women believe they’re pregnant, but scans show no pregnancy, only fibroids. It’s a mental health problem.”
Atanda advised the woman to submit herself to medical examination and help.
Speaking on the issue, Dr Segun Babatunde, former GM of the Osun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, encouraged Janet to listen to medical advice, noting that her condition required medical examination not spiritual consultation.
Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, a prominent Ifa priest, said against science, it was possible for a woman to be pregnant for up to three(3) years if she was under a spell but eight years was extreme.
He cited, “Former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, recently disclosed that he was in his mother’s womb for over three years before he was born. That is possible. But eight years is something else.
“The baby will not die; he will be developing in the womb. Some of them would have grown teeth before their birth. That is God for you.”
Ifa priest, Elebuibon also advised Janet to seek a spiritual solution if she was sure that she had a baby in her or go for a cesarean section if she was carrying just liquid.
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