Kobita K., 18

The 18-year-old housewife lives with her husband and his elderly parents in a small tin-shade house with a mud floor, where the family struggles to meet their basic needs. Her husband is the sole breadwinner, earning approximately BDT 6,000 (USD 49) per month by selling seasonal fruits from a small roadside stall, as a disability affecting one hand prevents him from performing regular manual labour, leaving the family unable to afford costly medical treatment. During her post-dated pregnancy, she attempted a normal delivery at home, but labour failed to progress, and hospital assessment revealed severe oligohydramnios, a dangerously low level of amniotic fluid around the baby. Doctors recommended a lower uterine caesarean section (LUCS) to reduce the risk of serious complications for both mother and baby, and the family learned about Helpster Charity through a staff member of Life Care Hospital. Without timely medical intervention, severe oligohydramnios and prolonged unsuccessful labour could increase the risk of fetal distress, oxygen deprivation, and other life-threatening complications for the mother and baby.

According to the treating doctors, a lower uterine caesarean section (LUCS) is recommended to ensure safer delivery due to the post-dated pregnancy complicated by severe oligohydramnios. The procedure aims to reduce the risk of complications associated with prolonged pregnancy and insufficient amniotic fluid, including fetal distress and umbilical cord compression. Timely surgical delivery can help protect the health of both mother and baby. Without appropriate intervention, the baby may experience oxygen deprivation or other serious complications, potentially resulting in stillbirth, while the mother may also face risks associated with prolonged and unsuccessful labour.