Kiganda concepts of pregnancy

Abstract

This paper discusses the conceptual categories used by the Baganda, to describe the events of normal and abnormal pregnancies. Kiganda knowledge of obstetrics is based upon observations of uterine size, foetal movements, amenorrhoea, vaginal bleeding and the delivery of the dead or alive foetus itself. This paper shows the relationship between Western obstetric categories, and those of the Baganda, and how, although the classification of the latter differs from that of the former in the terms used, it comprehensively describes all the types of normal and abnormal pregnancy that Western obstetrics recognizes