Maureen A., 31

Maureen is a 31-year-old peasant farmer and casual hotel worker who lives with her family in a rented mud house in a crowded neighborhood, paying KSh 1,500 in monthly rent. She earns about KSh 150 on days when casual work is available and is the family's sole breadwinner, as her spouse is unemployed and has no source of income. Her modest earnings are barely enough to meet the family's daily needs, making it difficult to afford healthcare and other essential expenses. Despite these hardships, Maureen remains resilient and actively participates in religious activities within her community. She was admitted to the hospital while in labour after experiencing a sudden gush of fluid, followed by the sensation of something protruding from her vagina. Her family noticed the umbilical cord outside the birth canal, and she reported that the baby's movements had significantly reduced. Recognizing this as a life-threatening obstetric emergency consistent with umbilical cord prolapse, she was rushed to the hospital for immediate intervention. Despite the medical team's efforts and emergency delivery, the baby could not be saved, although Maureen's life was successfully preserved. The devastating loss has left the family emotionally traumatized and financially vulnerable, highlighting the need for ongoing psychosocial and economic support.

The mother survived the obstetric emergency because prompt surgical intervention was carried out, which reduced the risk of serious maternal complications such as hemorrhage, shock, infection, or uterine injury. Her physical prognosis is generally good if postoperative recovery remains uncomplicated and she receives close monitoring and follow-up care. However, her psychological prognosis is guarded due to the traumatic loss of the baby and the emotional impact of the emergency. The neonatal prognosis was poor because of the prolonged cord prolapse and fetal compromise. The family remains at high psychosocial and economic risk and will require ongoing support to cope with bereavement and financial strain