Seline A., 17

Seline is the third-born in a family of seven and lives with her parents and siblings in a one-room house. Due to financial challenges, she dropped out of school while in Form Three. Her parents are peasant farmers, and the family struggles to meet basic needs. When well, Seline enjoys plaiting hair and dreams of owning a salon in the future. Seline initially experienced fever, nausea, and stomach discomfort, which she shared with her elder sister, who encouraged her to visit the hospital. She was tested and confirmed pregnant and was advised to attend antenatal clinics, which she did, often walking over 30 minutes to the health facility. One evening, Seline began experiencing abdominal pain, which she assumed would resolve on its own. However, the pain persisted for two days. On the third day, her sister found her crying in severe pain and, realizing the seriousness, arranged for a motorcycle to take her to the hospital. At the facility, she was assessed and diagnosed with obstructed labour, requiring an emergency cesarean section.

She was admitted in labour ward having been referred from Rabar health center with a diagnosis of prolonged labour.She was reviewed by the doctor and was pre loaded.Seline wheeled to theatre whereby a C/S went succeful She was administered IV ceftriaxone, oxytocin, flagyl among other drugs and later on discharged.

Seline’s presentation is consistent with obstructed labour, a serious obstetric emergency where delivery cannot progress despite ongoing labour. The prolonged abdominal pain and delayed presentation place her at risk of complications such as infection, exhaustion, uterine rupture, and fetal distress. Immediate intervention is required, and she has been prepared for urgent surgical management to prevent further deterioration. Her outcome will depend on how quickly definitive care is provided. With timely intervention and close monitoring, both maternal and fetal risks can be minimized, and she is likely to stabilize and recover well.