A sad reality for maternal health in Myanmar

It was Naw Mu’s first pregnancy after 6 years of trying to become pregnant. She says she was aware from a local medic that even early in her pregnancy her blood pressure had started to rise, but she didn’t take any medicine for it at that time. As the pregnancy progressed she noticed more things she felt was unusual but she didn’t disclose these things to anyone – it was a difficult time during the coup and she was worried she would be encouraged to go on a trek to the clinic – this was uncertain times and she decided to stay home.

By the time she reached the third trimester she was already having significant problems with odema of the hands, face and feet, dizziness and periodic blurred vision. These all being warning signs for a significant complication. She was close to her due date when she had some feeling that it was coming close to time to give birth but no contractions. The medics in her area were aware of the risks to her and were discussing a plan. Before a plan could be implemented, she experienced 2 seizures at home. She then seemed to improve, the next day she had another more severe seizure and this time she lost consciousness. They gave her medicine and knew she needed to transport her – but where to? Rain Tree Clinic was too far away, and the road was difficult and dangerous for both the patient and the porters carrying her. They would need to cross the car road patrolled by the Military and they knew that landmines were planted to prevent people crossing.

With no alternative they set out, it took 2 days on foot to reach the clinic. They needed to beg help from villagers along the way to help carry. Amazingly she didn’t have further seizures, she did however have cramping which she didn’t realise was labour pain. On arrival to Raintree Clinic, she was assessed and told that her baby had already passed away, and she was herself exhibiting late stages of obstructed labour. She needed a c section urgently. If not for Raintree Clinic this woman would have certainly died. Naw Mu recovered from her ordeal, at least physically and prepared to undertake that arduous journey home by foot. Indeed there was no alternative for her.

Monica - EMA Lead Midwife & SPM Maternal Health Project Coordinator

Monica Parker is from New South Wales, Australia and is a registered nurse and midwife. She has been living and working in Thailand and Myanmar since 2009 and is the Co-ordinator of SPM’s Maternal Health Program. She is seconded to work with Earth Mission Asia’s Physician Assistant program based in Kyaukkyi, Myanmar. It is Monica’s dream to train a strong core of professional midwives to serve the Karen people in the remote areas of Karen State. She also wants to help set professional standards in maternal health care. This includes identification and appropriate management of high-risk pregnancy and birth.