While the birth of my daughter was relatively easy and without major complication, my daughter, who recently gave birth to my first grandchild, was not as fortunate. Two weeks before the due date, my granddaughter turned in the womb and became breech. The fetal heart rate indicated need for concern and my daughter was immediately admitted for delivery, which increased her blood pressure and added additional concern for the baby. After performing an ultra sound and making an attempt to turn the baby, the heart rate dropped rapidly, and my daughter was rushed for an emergency C Section, as low heart rate can cause long term complications, including brain damage. I remember the amount of stress and anxiety we all felt when the baby became distressed, and how grateful I was for the immediate medical attention, as I was several thousand miles away and awaiting the next available flight. I chose this example, because it brings to the forefront the importance of medical intervention and quality hospital care.
In such countries as Afghanistan, the majority of births occur at home as hospital and clinic care is rare. According to the article Bamyan Maternity Waiting Home: A Safe Place to give Birth in Afghanistan, which quotes Peter Crowley, a UNICEF representative in Afghanistan “Every 30 minutes an Afghan woman dies from pregnancy of childbirth-related causes – giving Afghanistan one of world’s highest rates of maternal death” (UNICEF, 2010). Additionally, women in countries such as Afghanistan, often suffer from lack of proper nutrition and health care. The consequences of poverty were substantiated by Sandra Smidt in her book The Developing Child in the 21st Century, who states, “Pregnant woman living in developing countries without clean water, sanitation, pre-natal care or enough food, may suffer miscarriage, premature, or low birth weight infants “(Smidt, 2006). In addition, lack of immediate medical intervention can have profound effect on a child’s future development, as permanent long term complications can occur.
UNICEF. (2010, July 10). Afghanistan: Bamyan maternity waiting home: A safe place to give birth in Afghanistan. Retrieved November 5, 2010, from UNICEF: Unite for Children: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/afghanistan_54272.html
Sondi,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog posts, it made me think about the birth of my first son and my daughter which were both delivered by emergency C-section. The only difference is that they were not breached but my blood pressure did increase causing toxemia and greater risk for a successful full term delivery. I completely agree with you about the importance of medical intervention. Although both of my children were delivered early, I am happy to report that there are no major medical complications all thanks to GOD and medical intervention. Great post!
Advanced medical care does make difference. So do the availability of food and water to maintain strong health.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your daughter's birthing experiences. It must was scary for everyone especially feeling helpless for little ones.
As for Afghanistan, it is a country with hard life. Hopefully, Afghanistan will advanced quickly in medical care and life sustain.
You sure told the truth about needing to be in a skilled medical facility. I was always scared something like that would happen when I went into labor. I never wanted to be at home or anywhere but the hospital. When I had my second child, I didn't even want to leave the hospital when I was released. My body felt so weak and I just felt like I needed to be near medical personnel. I went home but had a lengthy recovery. Much longer than with my first son.
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