Rhoda N., 19

Rhoda Namachanja, a former Standard Seven pupil who dropped out of a local public day school, lives with her single mother and four younger siblings. As the firstborn, she has long shouldered the responsibility of helping her mother provide for the family’s basic needs. In the process of seeking support, she experienced teenage pregnancies, both of which required cesarean sections. Her mother runs a small-scale business selling cereals and fruits at a nearby market, earning a modest income that is usually only enough to provide one meal a day for the family. Rhoda was referred from a nearby health center with complaints of lower abdominal pain, mild vaginal bleeding, and backache over the past two days. She has had 2 previous caesarean sections due to cephalopelvic disproportion. On examination, she was found to be 2 cm dilated and had previous cesarean section scars. Considering her obstetric history, and after a pelvic assessment confirmed that her pelvis is still inadequate, a cesarean section was deemed the safest method to ensure the wellbeing of both mother and baby.

Rhoda came to the facility from a referral at a nearby health centre facility, she had complains of lower abdominal pain, backache and mild per vaginal bleeding for the last two days before coming to the facility. On examination she was 2 cm dilated with two previous scars as a result of ceaserian section which was contacted on the past. Doctors on duty requested for Emergency ceaserian section to be contacted immediately for the purpose of avoiding life threatening condition to occur due to previous scars. Operation was successful both mother and the baby were in stable condition after awhile and discharged. She came back to the hospital 1 week after discharge and was confirmed to be doing well.

A caesarean section is necessary in cases of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) because the baby cannot safely pass through the mother’s birth canal. Trying to deliver normally could put both the mother and baby at serious risk, so surgery is the safest option to ensure a safe birth. Rhoda’s prognosis following the cesarean section is favorable. Since the surgery was performed safely and without complications, both she and her baby are expected to recover well. With proper postoperative care - including pain management, wound care, monitoring for infection, adequate nutrition, and rest - Rhoda should regain her strength gradually. For the baby, the prognosis is also good, as delivery was carefully managed to ensure safety. With routine newborn care, breastfeeding support, and monitoring for any early neonatal issues, the child is expected to thrive.