Samoa's Health Department is urging pregnant women to ensure that they have early check-ups.
A senior nurse at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital told Televise Samoa that early check-ups would be beneficial for all pregnant women as doctors would know when the baby was due and could ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.
Of the 3 thousand births recorded last year, three per cent were described as difficult.
The principal complications were with patients who suffered anaemia, diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiac problems.
