Miscarriage By Igwebudu Francisca Onyinye (Dr. G)

Introduction

Thank you for being here today. I want to start by acknowledging that the topic we are addressing today is deeply sensitive and personal. Miscarriage is an experience that many have gone through, yet it often remains shrouded in silence. It's important for us, as a community, to come together and address this painful subject with compassion and understanding.

A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is a relatively common occurrence, with estimates suggesting that about 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. The actual number is likely higher, as many miscarriages happen before a woman knows she is pregnant.

Causes of Miscarriage

Genetic abnormalities: Many miscarriages occur because the fetus has genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that prevent it from developing normally.

Hormonal issues: Problems with hormones, such as low progesterone levels, can affect the ability of the embryo to implant and grow.

Uterine abnormalities: Issues with the uterus, such as fibroids or an abnormal shape, can interfere with the pregnancy.

Infections: Certain infections can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Chronic conditions: Health problems like diabetes, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders can impact pregnancy.

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, and drug use, as well as exposure to certain environmental toxins, can contribute to miscarriage.

Symptoms of Miscarriage

Vaginal bleeding or spotting

Cramping or abdominal pain

Passing tissue or clot-like material from the vagina

A sudden decrease in pregnancy symptoms like nausea and breast tenderness

Diagnosis and Management

If a miscarriage is suspected, a healthcare provider may perform an ultrasound and blood tests to check hormone levels. Once a miscarriage is confirmed, management options include:

Expectant management: Allowing the miscarriage to progress naturally.

Medication: To help expel the tissue from the uterus.

Surgical procedures: Such as dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove tissue from the uterus.

Emotional Impact and Support

Experiencing a miscarriage can be emotionally devastating. Feelings of grief, guilt, and loss are common. It's important to seek support from loved ones, support groups, or mental health professionals. Understanding that miscarriages are often beyond one's control can help in the healing process.

Prevention and Future Pregnancies

While not all miscarriages can be prevented, certain steps can help reduce the risk:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (e.g., balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding harmful substances).

Managing chronic health conditions with the help of a healthcare provider.

Regular prenatal care to monitor and support a healthy pregnancy.

After a miscarriage, many women go on to have successful pregnancies. It's usually recommended to wait until a woman is physically and emotionally ready before trying to conceive again.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Definition:

Chromosomal abnormalities refer to deviations from the normal number or structure of chromosomes in the cells of an individual.

Types of Chromosomal Abnormalities:

Numerical Abnormalities:

Trisomy: An extra copy of a chromosome (e.g., Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, where there are three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two).

Monosomy: Missing one copy of a chromosome (e.g., Turner syndrome, where females have only one X chromosome instead of the usual two).

Structural Abnormalities:

Deletions: Part of a chromosome is missing.

Duplications: Part of a chromosome is duplicated.

Inversions: Segment of a chromosome breaks off and reattaches in reverse orientation.

Translocations: Part of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.

Causes:

Spontaneous Errors: Errors during cell division in gametes (sperm or egg cells) or during early embryo development.

Inherited: Some chromosomal abnormalities can be inherited from one or both parents who carry balanced translocations or other structural changes.

Diagnosis:

Prenatal Screening: Includes ultrasound scans, maternal serum screening (triple or quadruple screen), and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Diagnostic Testing: Invasive procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis can provide more definitive genetic information.

Implications:

Impact on Pregnancy: Chromosomal abnormalities are a leading cause of miscarriages, stillbirths, and developmental disabilities in live births.

In humans, a normal set of chromosomes consists of 46 chromosomes in total. These chromosomes are organized into 23 pairs, with 22 pairs of autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. Here's the breakdown:

Autosomes: There are 22 pairs of autosomes, numbered from 1 to 22. These chromosomes carry genetic information responsible for various traits and functions in the body.

Sex Chromosomes: The 23rd pair of chromosomes determines an individual's sex:

Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX).

Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).

This normal chromosomal complement (46, XX for females and 46, XY for males) is crucial for normal development and function in humans. Any deviation from this normal set of chromosomes can result in chromosomal abnormalities, which may lead to developmental issues, genetic disorders, or pregnancy complications.

Personal Stories of Women Who Have Experienced Miscarriages

: Maria's Silent Grief

Maria experienced a silent miscarriage, where her baby had stopped developing but her body hadn't recognized the loss yet. She found out during a routine ultrasound at 12 weeks. The news was devastating, and Maria felt a deep sense of loss. She opted for a D&C procedure and took time off work to grieve. Maria found it difficult to talk about her miscarriage, feeling that others wouldn't understand her pain. However, after attending a miscarriage awareness event, she met other women who had similar experiences. Sharing her story with them helped Maria come to terms with her loss. She now advocates for greater awareness and support for women who experience miscarriages.:

 Laura's Rainbow Baby

Laura had two miscarriages before she became pregnant with her rainbow baby (a term used for a baby born after a miscarriage). Her first miscarriage happened at 6 weeks, and the second at 9 weeks. Laura felt a profound sadness and worried she might never have a successful pregnancy. She and her partner decided to seek help from a fertility specialist. After some tests and treatment, Laura became pregnant again. The pregnancy was filled with anxiety, but she found support through counseling and a close-knit group of friends who had also experienced miscarriages. Laura gave birth to a healthy baby boy and often shares her story to provide hope 

to others facing similar struggles.

These stories reflect the varied and deeply personal experiences of women who have gone through miscarriages. They highlight the importance of support, self-care, and resilience, and they serve as a reminder that no one has to face this journey alone.

Acknowledge the Pain and Grief

Miscarriage is a profound loss, and it is essential that we recognize the depth of the pain and grief that accompanies it. Each loss is unique, and each individual's journey through grief is different. It's natural to mourn and to feel a wide range of emotions, from sadness and anger to confusion and helplessness.

Offer Comfort and Hope

In times of sorrow, the Scriptures offer us words of comfort and hope. Psalm 34:18 tells us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we are reminded that God is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles." These verses assure us that we are not alone in our grief and that God's presence is with us, offering solace.

Affirm God’s Sovereignty and Love

It's important to remember that God’s love and sovereignty remain steadfast, even in the midst of tragedy. Romans 8:28 reassures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." While we may not understand the reasons behind our suffering, we can trust in God's ultimate plan and His unchanging love for us.

Encourage Community Support

As a community, we have a vital role to play in supporting those who have experienced miscarriage. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to "carry each other’s burdens," reminding us that we are called to be a source of comfort and strength for one another. Practical support, such as being present, listening without judgment, and offering tangible help, can make a significant difference.

Address Theological Questions

It's natural to have questions about why such things happen. While we may not have all the answers, we can find solace in knowing that God is compassionate and that, one day, He will restore all things. Revelation 21:4 gives us hope for the future: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Provide Practical Advice

Supporting those who have experienced miscarriage involves more than just words. It requires action. Offer practical ways to support grieving individuals, such as helping with daily tasks, being a listening ear, and respecting their need for space and time to heal. Creating a safe space where people can share their grief openly is crucial.

Pray Together

Let's take a moment to come together in prayer, lifting up those who have experienced miscarriage and asking for God's healing and comfort.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you with heavy hearts, knowing that many among us have experienced the deep pain of miscarriage. We ask for your comfort and healing for those who are grieving. Wrap them in your loving arms and let them feel your presence. Give us, as a community, the wisdom and compassion to support and love one another through these difficult times. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Conclusion

Thank you for your attention and your willingness to engage in this important discussion. Let us continue to support one another with grace and compassion, reflecting God's love in all that we do. If anyone needs further support or someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for each other.

God bless you all.

FAKE NEWS IN NIGERIA BY OKWARA, CASMIR UGOCHUKWU

 Introduction  

The emergency of the new media technologies which includes the different kinds of social media has brought about a significant change in our society today, where everyone can easily exchange their ideas, share their feelings and opinions without necessarily been together physically. These new media has helped in the dissemination of information in a higher speed rate order than the previously exiting mediums ( newspapers, radio and television). 

The spread of misinformation in these digitalized era has been a rampant issues overall the world and in Nigeria particularly. The emergency of these new media has paved way for easier spread or speculation of fake news in Nigeria which has a significant impact in shaping the opinions of the public and influencing decisions including political decisions. 

Nigeria, as a nation, has been making concerted efforts towards self-governance since the end of the colonial era. Like a toddler learning to walk, falls and rises, Nigeria has been falling and raising in this long walk. (Evaristus, 2021). This act of falling and rising has touched every aspect of it's governance including the publication of news. 

With the diversities in Nigeria and the numerous numbers of people in Nigeria, the proliferation of fake news in Nigeria has become more worrisome and threatening to the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. Many fabricated information has been published about the government, institutions, organizations, churches and individuals and in some cases infringing the right of the citizens of Nigeria. Therefore in this context, we will be examining the impact of fake news in Nigeria and possible ways to combat this growing concern. 

Keywords: News, Fake news, media, new media and Nigeria 

News

News can be seen as the factual account of an event. It can come in two ways; hard news and soft news. Hard news which implies, the factual account of event. It could is ongoing or as it is happening. It is just like breaking news. While soft news can be seen as feature stories. Feature stories here does not mean it is been fabricated but it lacks that element of just happening or immediacy. It can come up as a story to illustrate an event and why the event took place. 

Asemah (2011) defines news as “the account of a timely and unusual event in the society” (p.135). This definition seems limiting because as observed by Fry (2017) the current digital environment as characterized by proliferating social media has changed the traditional notion of news as an account of an unusual event. McQuail (2011) sees news as “the main form in which current information about public events are carried by media of all kinds” (p.564). Although, it is obvious through the definitions given here that one of the distinctive features of news is currency, the latter definition captures the fact that news is information conveyed on different kinds of media. Suffice to say then that news is information about events that are currently happening or that have happened recently. It is any information that helps the comprehension of important happenings in society. Fry (2017) suggests that the traditional notion of news is doomed going by the impositions of new media technologies on the news processes, for example the collapse of gatekeepers, the blurring lines of distinction between news, advertisement and entertainment. 

The lack of gate keeping in the current news processes is what brings about fake news in Nigeria because there is no checkmentation of the contents being published especially in online or new media or social media platform. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these acts of gate keeping is only effective in traditional media such as newspaper, radio and television. 

Fake news 

Fake news is one of the trending words not only in the field of journalism/communication, but across other professions. Nigeria, like every other countries of the world is suffering from the effects of fake news. Fake news does not only come in words alone but sometimes are accompanied by sounds, videos, graphics and pictures to make it more real and for people to believe in. 

The origin of fake can traced to as far back as the beginning of industrial. Standage (2017) believes that “fake news has been known since the earliest days of printing. In the 16th and 17th centuries, printers would crank out pamphlets, or news books, offering detailed accounts of monstrous beasts or unusual occurrences” 

Fake news is not a new phenomenon. It has been in existence for a very long time.  Notwithstanding, it has become more intense in recent times as a result of widespread internet use and low-cost access to social media channels, competitive politics and intensifying poverty, and ethno-religious rivalry.

Fake news is the deliberate fabrication of information to deceive people with the aim of misleading others into believing falsehood and doubting confirmable actualities (White 2017). According to McGonagle (2017), fake news is information that has been deliberately fabricated and disseminated with the intention to deceive and mislead others into believing falsehoods or doubting verifiable facts. 

In Nigeria, fake news be it intentionally or unintentionally sent out to the people is never a good news. For instance, in November 1989, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) announced the death of the first Governor General and President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe. By the next morning, the news was on the front pages of most of the country’s newspapers. It took two days before Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe cleared the air about the state of his health and informed the world that he was still alive and the false claim was relatively contained. Imagine waking up one morning and opening your WhatsApp handle and seeing a message that contains free 200 million free grant by the government and you keep sharing. The new media has been the major agents fueling the spread of fake news in Nigeria today due to it's rampent use in recent days as everyone is now a journalist. 

 The new media. 

The new media has a significant impact on our lives together as one can hardly do without them. It has transformed various aspects of our lives including in commerce, transport, medical centers, education and entertainment. 

Aduloju (2017) defines new media as "any form of media that came out towards the end of the 20th century or in 21st century. Specially, new media can be regarded as a 21st century catchall term used to describe all that is not connected to the internet and the interaction aimd technology, image, and sound" (P.100). According to her most of the technologies portrayed as new media are digital, frequently possessing features of being controlled, intense compactable, interactive and networkable. (Manovich, 2003 and Konieezy, 2009, as cited in Aduloju, 2017). 

Itsueli (2017) also defines new media as "an interactive, digital and time space independent communication medium that enables any kind of content sharing on cyberspace" (p.152). Linking this to the contest of this work, the digital and time space features of these new media has made it possible for one to share information at any time and any where. 

On his own, Egere (2019) sees the new media as an unending conversation on the Internet, with new conversations begining every time. This shows or indicates why the new media should not be underrated but paid more attention to. Therefore, in this contest, there is a great need to focus more on the new media because the skillful application and knowledge about the media and technological messages is very vital to enable individuals, government, organizations or churchs  know how to select relevant information in order not to mislead people.. 

These new media is mostly found among the younger people of today who uses it to pass across I formation. Just as Ojemen (2019) notes that the acquisition and use of new media are too readily found among younger generation, who easily uses it as a means of reaching out to, to form new friends and search for new ideals. 

Nigeria 

Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa and has been a home to many indigenous people since their amalgamation in 1914 by the British colonial masters. Although they become an independent country in 1960 and fully in 1963. Nigeria is a multinational state that has over 250 ethnic groups with the major ethnic groups been igbo, hause and yourba. Nigeria has been experiencing a whole lots of ups and downs, just as Evaristus (2021) sees Nigeria as a to toddler learning to walk, falls and rises. He further stated that " Nigeria has been falling and raising in this long walk towards self-governance as a sovereign nation. But oftentimes, she falls and remains fallen instead of raising" (p.1). 

Nigeria practices democracy has a form of government. The term democracy is taken from two Greek origins: demos which means ordinary people; and kratos which means rule; thus, when used together demos-kratos means "the rule of the common people" (Evaristus,2021). 

 In order words, democracy implies the government of the people, by the people and for the people. But we are truly practicing democracy? Nigeria practice of democracy has put forth strength to the media carry out their job of covering and checkmating the different arms of government. And the media also to stand alone with out been influenced. These act of the media to serve as a watchdog to the government and a mediator between the government and the people has made it possible for them to be seen and describe as tge fourth estate of the realm.

  The media been the agents of news some times are been influenced in their job of giving out accurate information to the public making the news to be fake but appearing real.

Causes of fake News in Nigeria 

Reasons attributed for the proliferation of fake news in Nigeria are numerous but few will be mentioned and briefly discussed here 

Information overload: information overload is of the cause of fake news in Nigeria today. For instance, when you wake up in the morning, open all your social media handle, you will get over a thousands of messages to read and reply to. News is as well published on a daily basis in the major news mediums such as the newspaper, radio and television. All these leave one in a state of confusion where he or she finds it difficult to know and differentiate between fake news and real news.  This is why Rose & Kiss (2007) observes the blurring of news, entertainment and politics and submits that “the problem is not that we need greater access to information but arguably that we have access to much information” (p.605). This information overload is basically found more on the social media.

Non professional service: most of the fake news been published as been published by those who are not professional journalist, example the citizen journalists. They don't know the ethics of news publication, the just capture the moment and send out to the public without verification or consultation. Their major aim is to be the first to publish the most or recently happening. And this is a very big problem that the social media and other new media has made possible because with ones phone or gadget and Internet connection, you can spread the message across the country. This act has been putting Nigeria citizens in pains, distress and in an uncomfortable situation. For example, imagine been at the market and you open your social media just to see a blog or website post on the demise of your loved ones just like that. How would you feel?. Also, Riley (2017), has observed this in her work, where she stated that "the complacency of genuine communication professionals has led to the proliferation of “lies and garbage” (p.16). 

Low level of media trust: Nigeria citizens have a very low trust in the publications of the major news media such as newspapers, radio and television. They hardly believe in what these mediums publish rather they hope on getting legit information from the bloggers who do not know the ethics of news. 

Government interference/Economy: economy is one of the greatest factors the brings about fake news publication. The governments overseeing and controlling the media in Nigeria is a very big problem in publishing the factual account of an event. It is popularly said that who pays the piper detects the tune. Therefore the government funding these media house makes impossible for these media houses to publish ill facts about the government because they depend on the government for survival of their stations. 

Non gate keeping policy: this is more on the aspect of social media and other websites. There is no process of checkmentation of the contents they post and no rules or guidelines are given to them and this has been a problem and lead to the proliferation of fake news in Nigeria. 

Keep in mind that the advent digitalization has both positive and negative impact on news publication on Nigeria system. 

Conclusion 

The menace of fake news is contributing to the escalation of the security woes to our beloved country Nigeria. Fake news has lead to various problems in Nigeria today such as hatred, ethno-religious conflicts, political violence, leadership mistrust, economic instability, inter-tribal anxiety, character assassination and many other cases which has been a threat to the development of Nigeria.

The spread of fake news in Nigeria which was given impetus by the emergency and dominance of internet and social media has indeed changed the mindset of many Nigerians.  But it's negative implications can be controlled and manage to a certain point or level. 

Recommendations

Fake news in Nigeria has been a long worrisome discussion among the citizens of Nigeria. To eliminate or eradicate fake news totally will be very difficult if at all it would be possible at all. But it can be reduced and managed to some extent. Therefore I recommend the following; 

1. People should be educated by the government and as well non governmental organizations through various medium on media literacy in order to help them differentiate between fake news and real news. The knowledge of media will enable them to filters what the take in as news and as well give out as news because as a media literate you have to be a prosumer. This implies that you should have the ability to create messages and read or recieve  messages not only passive or been at the receiving end, you have to proactive. . 

2. The government should find a possible means to ensure that gatekeeping process or possible ways of monitoring and regulating the contents that are been published in different social media platforms. 

3. Press freedom should be encourage. This will enable the media houses to act on their own and control their affairs without governmental or external force. This will help in reducing rate of fake news in Nigeria.

Reference 

Asemah, E. (2011). Selected mass media themes. Jos: University Press.BBC.com (2018, June 

29). Fake news and Nigeria's herder crisis. Retrieved from:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-44655148

Egere, I.K. (2019). Rethinking youth ministry through witness and microblogging in Africa. In 

I.K. Egere & J.O. Faniran (Eds.). Pastoral communication: youth apostolate in new media age. 68-88. Ciwa publications. 

Evaristus, C.N. (2021). Democratic dictatorship and press freedom in Nigeria. In West Africa 

Journal of Arts and Social Sciences (2). 1-21. Ciwa publications. 

Fry, K.G. (2017). What do we mean by Fake? What do we mean by news? In: Fake New, 

Spectral, the magazine of the National Communication Association,  53 (4). 8-12.

Itsueti, B. (2017). Theology, Catechesis and the new media in Africa today. In Bala & C. Ebebe 

(eds.) theology Catechesis and the new media in Africa today. 149-158. Ciwa Publications. 

McGonagle, T. (2017). “Fake News: false fears or real concerns? Netherlands Quarterly of 

Human Rights. 35(4), 203 – 209. Available at www.journals.sagepub.com. Accessed 25/6/2019.

McQuail, D. (2011). Mass communication: An introduction (6). Sage Publications

Ojemen, C. (2019). New social media as instrument of sustainable and holistic catechetical 

formation of Catholic youth: a study in the light of canon 779. In I.K. Egere & J.O. Faniran (eds.). Pastoral communication: youth apostolate in new media age. 86-108. Ciwa Publications. 

Riley, R. (2017). If it's fake, it's not news. ake News, Spectral the magazine of the National 

Communication Association, 53 (4). 14-17.

Rose, J. & Kiss, S. (2007). Boundaries blurred: The mass media and politics in a hyper-media 

age. In B. E. B'beri, P.C. Belanger, M. Eid, M. Lowes, & E. Potter (eds.). Introduction to media studies: A reader. 605-617. Oxford University Press.

Standage, T. (2017). The true history of fake news. The Economist. Available on 

https://www.1843magazine.com. Accessed 26/6/2019.