Cynthia A., 23

Cynthia is the third-born in a family of eight and lives with her parents and siblings in a two-room mud-walled house. Financial challenges prevented her from pursuing tertiary education, and she is currently unemployed, relying on her parents, who are peasant farmers. She hopes to start a small grocery business in the future. She discovered she was pregnant after missing her menstrual period and experiencing persistent malaise. When she informed her partner, he withdrew support and became unreachable, leaving her to face the pregnancy alone. With support from her elder siblings, she managed to attend three antenatal visits. During this time, she developed hypertension, with symptoms including swelling, severe headaches, epigastric pain, and visual disturbances, leading to a hospital admission where she was stabilized. A few weeks later, she developed twitching episodes and was rushed to a nearby facility before referral to Siaya County Referral Hospital. She was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia and scheduled for an emergency caesarean section, and was linked to Helpster Charity for support.

Cynthia was taken for an emergency caesarean surgery, the surgery was a success and she was taken to the post -op ward. While in the ward she was administered ceftriaxone,flagyl, morphine, among other drugs. Her catheter was removed after 2 days, and ambulation encouraged. The dressing on her surgical site was removed after 72 hrs. She was able to respond well to medication, her blood pressure became stable and she was eventually discharged on orals. A follow up clinic was booked for her to ensure her blood pressure was still stable and she was healing well

Cynthia presents with severe preeclampsia, evidenced by hypertension, neurological symptoms, and episodes suggestive of impending eclampsia. She has been admitted for close monitoring and stabilization, and an emergency caesarean section has been planned to prevent further deterioration. The condition places both mother and baby at high risk, including seizures, organ failure, and compromised blood flow to the fetus. At this stage, the prognosis is guarded but favorable with timely intervention. Prompt delivery is critical to safeguard both lives, and with appropriate care, both Cynthia and her unborn baby have a good chance of recovery.