Baby Maurine Achieng T., 1

Baby Maureen Twin 2 is the second-born of premature twins. She lives with her mother, twin brother, and extended family in her grandmother’s two-room mud-walled house. Her mother recently completed Form Four but could not join college because of financial constraints. The household depends mainly on the grandmother’s irregular casual work. “Baby Maureen Twin 2” was used temporarily because the twins required urgent admission before they were formally named. Their mother suspected she was pregnant after experiencing vomiting and missed periods. At six months, her spouse abandoned her and stopped communicating. With no income, she sought refuge with her aunt, who encouraged her to attend antenatal care. She completed three ANC visits, walking to the facility each time. While helping her aunt one day, she developed sudden abdominal pain and was taken to a nearby facility. The first twin was delivered vaginally, but Twin 2 was in distress and required delivery through an emergency Caesarean section. Both premature babies were referred to Siaya County Referral Hospital for specialized newborn care.

Baby Maureen twin 2 has a guarded prognosis due to prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia and respiratory distress syndrome. With admission to the Newborn Unit, close monitoring, respiratory support where necessary, adequate feeding, maintenance of body temperature and prevention/treatment of infections, the newborn has potential for stabilization, growth and eventual discharge. Continued follow-up is important to monitor growth and neurodevelopment