Ruth N., 20

Ruth comes from a severely underprivileged background characterized by long-standing financial hardship. Her family relies on irregular, low-paying sources of income that are barely sufficient for daily survival. As a result, they frequently struggle to afford basic necessities such as adequate food, clean water, and proper housing. Meals are often limited in quantity and quality, leading to poor nutrition and general weakness. Due to these financial constraints, the family is unable to afford basic medical care, including consultations, medications, and transport to health facilities. Healthcare is often delayed or avoided altogether, which contributes to the worsening of otherwise treatable conditions and recurrent illness within the household. Overall, Ruth’s socio-economic challenges have significantly affected her health, well-being, and access to essential services. Ruth, a young first-time expectant mother, was brought to the facility after a failed attempt at home delivery following prolonged labour without skilled obstetric care. On arrival, she was exhausted and visibly distressed. Physical and pelvic examination revealed a contracted pelvis with reduced capacity, making normal vaginal delivery unlikely. Abdominal examination showed a term pregnancy with poor progress of labour, consistent with cephalopelvic disproportion. She was diagnosed with obstructed labour secondary to an inadequate pelvis, and an emergency caesarean section was promptly performed. The surgery was uneventful, and a live baby was successfully delivered.

Ruth came in the facility accompanied by her mother after attempt home delivery, she was exhausted and in distress. On examination revealed findings consistent with an inadequate pelvis. Pelvic assessment demonstrated a contracted pelvis with reduced pelvic capacity, making spontaneous vertex delivery impossible. Medical team recommended for emergency ceaserian section to avoid high risk of complications. Operation was successful both mother and the baby are stable and discharged in a good condition.

Postoperatively, Ruth will make a good progress and remain stable with no complications. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of obstructed labor and prompt intervention. Timely emergency caesarean section leads to favorable outcomes for both mother and baby, unlike delayed cases which carry a high risk of complications such as uterine rupture, obstetric fistula, sepsis, fetal distress or death, and maternal mortality.