Maternal Health at FAME: Placental Abruption
Gloria
When 30-year-old Gloria got pregnant for the fourth time, she was extremely cautious. Despite being born healthy and full-term, her third baby died a week after birth. The doctor at the clinic where she gave birth did not explain why and she still doesn't know what caused her child's death.
When she fell pregnant several years later, Gloria was fearful that history would repeat itself.
“With my previous pregnancies, I have always been ecstatic when I found out, but this time I was just scared. A friend told me of her niece who had twins at FAME and she had had a good experience and asked me to try it out. So I went to the Reproductive Health Clinic (RCH), where I started my prenatal classes. The staff at RCH reassured me and supported me so much that I started to be hopeful this child would survive.”
The pregnancy was going well, but sadly at 31 weeks, Gloria suffered sudden sharp lower abdominal pains, bleeding and a splitting headache.
Gloria’s baby in FAME’s Special Care Nursery (SCN).
“The pain felt like labor pains. I have given birth naturally three times, so I’m familiar with that pain! I called my husband and told him the baby was coming and we needed to rush to FAME.”
Gloria’s husband could not afford a taxi and they live 80 miles from FAME. So they took a public bus to Karatu and a Bajaji (Autorickshaw) brought them to FAME.
“I was in so much pain and was crying when we boarded the bus; luckily, the other passengers were very kind. They offered me water and snacks, but I couldn’t keep anything down.”
Maternity Nurse, Nuru Shaban Alute, watches the baby closely and makes sure he’s alright.
Gloria was diagnosed with placental abruption after an ultrasound and lab tests at FAME. This serious medical condition happens when the placenta detaches from the uterus wall, causing bleeding and potentially depriving the fetus of oxygen and nutrients. The doctors recommended an emergency C-section to deliver the baby quickly.
“The doctors counseled my husband and provided much information about my condition. Essentially, placental abruption can be life-threatening to both the baby and me. The emergency C-section was necessary to reduce the risk of further harm to myself and the baby. After this, my husband and I were confident in our decision to proceed with the surgery.”
Gloria’s C-section went well and she delivered a baby boy weighing 3.2 lbs. The baby was taken to FAME’s Special Care Nursery (SCN) and put on a C-PAP machine, which helps premature babies who have difficulty breathing.
“When I woke up from surgery, I immediately asked about the baby. I’ve never seen a baby that small! He had to be put in an incubator to keep him warm.”
After four days at FAME’s SCN, the baby was clinically stable with normal vital signs and was slowly gaining weight.
“I am happy! I am thankful! Without FAME, I don’t think my baby would have survived. The hospital close to my home has no incubator for these tiny babies, so I am not sure how they would have been able to save him. I don’t know how long he will be here, but I will follow the doctors’ advice. I look forward to the day I can take him home and introduce him to his siblings. They have always asked for a little brother and finally, FAME has helped me provide one for them!”
* The patient’s name has been changed to protect their privacy and permission was secured to share their story. The quotes have been translated from Kiswahili to English.