Gloria Tabitha O., 19

Tabitha comes from a very disadvantaged background and is raised by her only surviving parent. Due to severe financial constraints, she dropped out of secondary school in Form Two, after which circumstances pushed her into early marriage. She is now a young mother of one child, and her husband supports the family through irregular artisan jobs, struggling to balance providing for the household with furthering his education. Although Tabitha once dreamed of becoming a doctor, this aspiration was cut short by lack of school fees and social support. Tabitha is a few months pregnant and reported that for about five days she had been experiencing fever, lower abdominal pain, painful urination, and foul-smelling urine. Because of financial limitations and the fact that the pain was initially mild, she delayed seeking medical care, hoping the symptoms would resolve on their own. However, she became increasingly worried. One evening, while resting at home, Tabitha developed a sudden onset of severe lower abdominal pain, accompanied by intense cramping, lower back pain, and mild vaginal bleeding. Alarmed by the worsening symptoms, a neighbour—who had heard about Helpster Charity through community networks—advised her to seek urgent care, explaining that the organization supports underprivileged sick children and young adults. Following this advice, Tabitha presented herself to the health facility to seek immediate medical attention. She was diagnosed with a threatened abortion.

Gloria spent five days being managed on parenteral medication (IV fluids, duphaston, ceftriaxone and paracetamol and total bed rest). The symptoms gradually subsided and was discharged on oral medication and advised on adherence to medication. On the discharge date, she looked very jovial and ready to go home and continue with her normal duties.

Tabitha was diagnosed with a threatened abortion likely precipitated by an untreated urinary tract infection. She required urgent medical management, including treatment of the UTI, pain control, close maternal–fetal monitoring, and counseling to prevent further complications and protect the pregnancy. With the ongoing treatment of the infection, adequate rest, and close follow-up, Tabitha’s prognosis is favourable, and the pregnancy can still be sustained. However, strict adherence to treatment and regular antenatal care are essential, as untreated or recurrent infections may increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labour, or other pregnancy-related complications.