Brenda A., 18

Brenda is an 18-year-old young woman and the second-born of seven siblings. She dropped out of secondary school in Form Two because of difficult family circumstances. She now lives with her husband, co-wife and four other children who depend on the household for food, schooling and other basic needs. Her husband relies on irregular casual jobs, making it difficult for the family to consistently meet their expenses. Brenda’s pregnancy had progressed relatively well until this particular day at around 1:00 a.m., when she developed intermittent lower abdominal pain radiating to her back. The pain progressively became more frequent and intense, leaving her extremely distressed, weak and unable to rest. As her condition worsened, her husband accompanied her to the health facility, where she arrived exhausted and struggling to walk because of the severe pain. Following assessment, the medical team determined that she required urgent treatment and hospital admission. Her husband initially declined admission because he was concerned about their inability to meet the medical costs. The healthcare team subsequently informed the family about Helpster Charity Organization.

Brenda was diagnosed with a UTI in pregnancy after presenting with significant lower abdominal and back pain and marked weakness. Appropriate antibiotics, hydration and maternal-fetal monitoring are indicated. With timely treatment and good response, Brenda’s prognosis is favourable, with continued antenatal follow-up recommended.