Pheny A., 16

Pheny is a 16-year-old girl who dropped out of school while in Form Three. She lives with her single mother and three siblings, all of whom have also left school, in a one-room mud-walled house. Her mother is a peasant farmer whose irregular income is barely enough to provide food and other basic needs. The family faces significant financial hardship, overcrowded living conditions, and limited opportunities, placing them at high risk of persistent poverty. Despite these challenges, Pheny enjoys attending church and singing in the worship team, which gives her hope and a sense of belonging. The man responsible for her pregnancy abandoned her and has not provided any emotional, financial, or parental support. Pheny first attended antenatal care at 16 weeks' gestation, where she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnancy. She presented with a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to pass small amounts of urine, cloudy foul-smelling urine, and lower abdominal and pelvic pain. Owing to the severity of her symptoms and the potential risks to both mother and unborn baby, she was assessed in the casualty department and admitted for prompt treatment, close clinical monitoring, and comprehensive obstetric care.

The prognosis depends on how quickly she starts proper care and follows treatment. Because she started antenatal clinics late and was found to have a UTI in pregnancy with symptoms of burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine, lower abdominal pain, and fever, she is at higher risk of complications like kidney infection, preterm labor, and low birth weight. However, the doctor explained that with early treatment using pregnancy-safe antibiotics, plenty of fluids, regular clinic attendance, good nutrition, and rest, both Pheny and the baby can still have a good outcome. The doctor also noted that because Pheny is only 16, living in a 1-roomed mud house with limited support, and had dropped out of school, she will need extra monitoring, counseling, and community support to reduce risks during pregnancy and delivery. Overall, the prognosis is guarded but hopeful with consistent care the pregnancy can go to term safely, but without it the risks to both mother and baby remain high.