Consolata A., 19

Consolata, a teenage girl and the third-born in her family, lives with her husband and their child in a single-room mud-walled house. Her husband works as a manual laborer, often in block mining and construction, while Consolata is unemployed, having dropped out of school in Class 8. When healthy, she enjoys plaiting young children’s hair and dreams of one day opening and running her own salon. The family learned about Helpster Charity during a hospital visit. Consolata began feeling unwell one morning and initially thought it was minor illness. When her symptoms persisted the next day, she sought medical care at a nearby health facility. Following tests, she was informed that she was pregnant, approximately four weeks along. She attended two antenatal care (ANC) visits, one at four months and another at five months. She was scheduled for her third ANC visit at six months when she began experiencing abdominal pain. On a Sunday morning, she discovered she was bleeding. Since the nearest health facility was closed, she rushed to Siaya Referral Hospital for urgent care. She remained hopeful that she would receive treatment despite not having any money, trusting that it was a government hospital. She planned to explain her financial situation to the hospital later but was primarily concerned about the bleeding and set aside worries about the cost. Upon arrival at the hospital, she was diagnosed with placenta abruptio and was promptly taken to the operating theater. During her visit, she learned about Helpster Charity from the hospital social worker.

Consolata presented to the hospital with abdominal pains and she was bleeding. She was diagnosed with placental abruption and was booked for emergency caeserean. She was put under anaestia and aseptically draped. The uterus was externalized and repaired in layers and later closed. She was stable post-op, and she was transfused blood and her dressing removed after three days. She was treated with IV Flagyl, ceftriaxone, morphine, and tramadol, among other drugs. She responded well to treatment and eventually was discharged.

The faster the cesarean section is performed after recognizing placenta abruptio, the better the outcome for both mother and baby. Delay in intervention dramatically increases the risk of death or long-term complications. Prognosis if Caesarean Section is Done Promptly:- - Fetal survival improves significantly: Rapid delivery restores oxygen - Maternal safety is enhanced: Timely intervention prevents severe hemorrhage, shock, and complications like DIC. - Recovery is generally favorable: With proper blood transfusion, fluids, and post-operative care, both mother and baby can recover well.