Fatima Y., 25

Fatima Yusuf is a 25-year-old woman living with her husband in a small mud house in Amshi Village. Her husband is a struggling farmer, while she sells groundnuts to support the family, earning a combined income of about ₦7,000. Despite their hardship, they were hopeful during her pregnancy. Fatima was referred to the hospital as an obstetric emergency after prolonged labor lasting over 12 hours with failure to deliver. She had a previous Caesarean section and was attempting a VBAC at a primary healthcare center, but the baby failed to descend, raising serious concerns for both mother and child. Due to the risk of uterine rupture and fetal distress, she was urgently referred to Ayaji Medical and Diagnostic Centre. On arrival, she was stabilized and prepared for an emergency Caesarean section to save both her life and her baby’s.

Fatima was admitted as an obstetric emergency and immediately stabilized with intravenous (IV) fluids and close maternal and fetal monitoring. She received prophylactic antibiotics, including Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole, to reduce the risk of infection, as well as Oxytocin and Paracetamol as part of her perioperative care. Due to the prolonged labor and previous Caesarean section scar, an emergency Caesarean section was performed to safely deliver the baby and prevent complications. The surgery was successful, and both mother and baby were closely monitored afterward. Following surgery, Fatima continued on antibiotics, pain medications, IV fluids, and routine postnatal care. She recovered well, with stable vital signs, good wound healing, and no major complications. She was discharged in satisfactory condition with her baby and scheduled for follow-up care.

The attending obstetric team assessed Fatima's condition as a life-threatening emergency. Prolonged second-stage labor in a woman with a previous Caesarean section significantly increased the risk of uterine rupture, severe maternal bleeding, fetal distress, and death of both mother and baby if urgent intervention was not undertaken. The doctors recommended an immediate emergency Caesarean section to safely deliver the baby and prevent catastrophic complications. Following prompt surgical intervention and appropriate postoperative care, both mother and baby were stabilized. Prognosis: Fatima's prognosis is good due to the timely referral and emergency surgical management. With continued monitoring, postoperative care, and follow-up, she is expected to make a full recovery and resume normal maternal activities.