Diagnosing and managing a multiple pregnancy in the jungles of Myanmar

One of the things that we love is being a part of someone’s journey. There is much to be said about standing with people through whatever the outcome. 

At the start of September a woman arrived at Rain Tree Clinic [RTC], she was heavily pregnant and unsure of her dates, given the size of her abdomen, she thought she would be 9 months pregnant. Her first baby had been a c section at a township hospital. She wasn’t clear of the reason for the section, but said that shortly after her baby became unwell, she went to another township hospital and sadly the baby passed away. So she was somewhat anxious when she first arrived at RTC. 

The coup has done little to instil confidence in any government hospital in Myanmar, and the fear of traveling into military control areas is very real. It was with relief that this mother realised she could attend a clinic not so far away, and receive her safe c section with staff who belonged to her ethnicity.  When she arrived our head of Maternal Child Health saw her, took her history, assessed her and then she did an ultrasound. Imagine the delight when it was revealed that there were 2 happy babies inside. Twins are revered in Karen culture. The ultrasound indicated that the pregnancy was not yet term. This was ok, arrangements were made and Mama stayed at RTC until she was term, and then a lovely planned c section was attended at 39 weeks. These gorgeous girls are happy healthy and now at home with their family. 

Congratulations to this lovely little family!

By Monica - 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 Karen State 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.

Monica and her family are currently back in Australia waiting to return to Myanmar.