Harsh Realities

We’ve done 2 prenatals so far. Today’s patient was by far the most involved. They started walking early this morning and she came with her husband complaining of pain and that she’s never been “sick” like this with any of her other babies. While one prenatal may seem like a quick appointment in the day out in this part of the mountains it’s a bit more involved. We checked her and got her down to the hospital for more lab tests and an ultrasound.

That’s a walk to pick her up and take her to the birth center…

Prenatal with a translator from Spanish to the tribal language…

Walking to the hospital to consult with the doctora about a plan

Walking back to pick her up

Walking up to the hospital

Waiting in the waiting area with her until an available doc can do an ultrasound

Walking back to trailer where they are resting

Walking to the hospital trying to pick up lab results

Early indications are she is SEVERLY anemic (we’re talking transfusion level). It appears she may also have an infection. Her baby is in a position that will likely cause a long and painful labor. While we wait for the rest of the labs we discuss the case. This lady cannot afford to loose blood while delivering. She’s term so there is not a lot of time. She will likely refuse to stay near a hospital for care and go to a village to deliver alone. Unless there is a miracle she may become one of the numbers of women who die in this region during delivery.

So yeah, its easy to quote statistics and discuss the case, but then you look over and here is this young women in bright tribal clothing holding her little girl. This is why the World Health Organization says we need more midwives out in the field (reminding myself too). =0))

Please pray for God to intervene and blessings on the staff here who are trying to make a difference in the numbers.