Abisola Oladapo’s experience during the birth of her second child left her with deep regret about not knowing crucial pregnancy-related information. Her baby was born struggling to breathe due to complications that could have been avoided if she had been better informed.
The issue began 24 hours before her baby’s birth when Abisola felt like she had wet her bed and continued to feel the urge to urinate. Unaware that her water had broken, she delayed going to the hospital, which led to severe consequences for her baby’s health. Sadly, Abisola later learned of a friend who lost her child due to a similar lack of knowledge.
This personal tragedy became the driving force behind the creation of Mumspring, a healthtech platform aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes across Africa.
The Child Mortality Crisis in Africa
Every year, over a million African infants die within the first month of life, many of them due to preventable complications during childbirth. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where most deaths go unrecorded. In addition to neonatal deaths, thousands of women succumb to pregnancy-related complications, and many babies born with low birth weights face lifelong health issues.
Despite these statistics, no major African tech-based initiative has been dedicated exclusively to improving pregnancy and infant care. Mumspring seeks to bridge this gap by providing personalized, stage-by-stage guidance for pregnant women and mothers during their child’s early years.
Addressing the Problem
In 2018, Abisola and her team started developing the Mumspring app, focused on the specific needs of African women during pregnancy. Since its launch, the app has attracted over 5,000 paying subscribers and has become a vital resource for expecting mothers.
Upon downloading the Mumspring app, users select whether they are pregnant or planning to conceive. Based on their profile, the app provides tailored information and daily updates on their pregnancy. It also offers lifestyle tips for women trying to conceive, designed to fit cultural behaviors unique to Africa.
More Than Just an App
Mumspring’s goal extends beyond just being an informational tool. Studies show that maternal and child health programs could save the lives of over two-thirds of newborns, but access to these programs remains limited for impoverished families. To address this gap, Mumspring introduced the “Agnes app,” an AI-powered solution that delivers antenatal care information in local languages via voice messages.
The Agnes app provides expecting mothers with regular phone calls containing healthcare reminders, due dates, scan information, and personal health updates. It also stores important details, such as addresses and family contacts, to ensure proper tracking and support. A toll-free number is also available for assistance.
Funding and Partnerships
Mumspring collaborates with local governments and NGOs to reach marginalized women in rural areas. Through its partnership with Lagos State, Mumspring has been able to secure funding for 3,500 women on the Agnes platform, covering their access to health updates, free calls, and homecare visits twice a month from specialists.
Looking Ahead
While pregnancy is a challenging time for many women, cultural norms in Africa often discourage them from discussing their experiences. Mumspring has encountered difficulties encouraging women to share their pregnancy stories. In response, the company has implemented anonymous interaction features on the app, ensuring privacy and comfort. The team continues to explore the best ways to support pregnant women and mothers in Africa, always adapting to their unique needs.
