Jackline N., 23

Jackline was raised by her grandmother after her mother left when she was very young. She grew up facing significant challenges, including difficulties with speech and reading. Her grandmother lives in a mud-walled house without electricity. Due to lack of school fees, she dropped out of school and began doing casual jobs to meet her basic needs. She later became pregnant and was sent away by her grandmother, leaving her without stable accommodation and moving from place to place seeking shelter. Near delivery, she returned to her grandmother’s home despite their strained relationship. She hopes to train as a tailor and become financially independent. She later developed abdominal pain radiating to her back. The pain worsened the following day, but medical attention was delayed until a concerned neighbour intervened. She was taken to a nearby facility and referred to Consolata Hospital, where examination revealed Grade III meconium-stained liquor. Due to the risk to the baby of fetal distress, an emergency Caesarean section was recommended.

Jackline presented with fetal distress associated with Grade III meconium-stained liquor, requiring urgent Caesarean delivery to reduce the risk of serious complications to the baby. With timely surgery and appropriate maternal and newborn care, the prognosis for both mother and baby is generally favourable. Delay in delivery could result in worsening fetal oxygen deprivation, meconium aspiration, birth asphyxia, brain injury, stillbirth or neonatal death. Jackline also requires monitoring for postoperative bleeding, infection and other Caesarean-related complications.