Vanovers' Travels: Obstetrical Tales

Early during our stay at Tenwek this trip, I met Peris. She had been hospitalized two days earlier at 27 weeks gestation. In America, if a 24-week pregnant woman delivers a baby, it has about a 75 % survival rate. In Kenya, a baby must be about 32 weeks into the pregnancy before that kind of optimism exists for the newborn. Peris had had three previous cesarian deliveries. A placenta previa is a condition where the placenta (“after” birth) is in front of the path of the delivery of the infant. In addition, a placenta does not implant normally into the lower uterus as it does higher up in the more muscular part of the womb. Therefore, if a woman has contractions and starts to labor, the placenta previa can start to detach from the uterus thereby cutting off blood flow to the baby and can cause possible catastrophic bleeding for the mother. Peris had already had several bleeding episodes signaling a progressively higher chance of her delivering prematurely. Medication was given thru the mother to try to make the baby’s lungs mature for life outside of the mother. Every day the Obstetric team would pray fervently for the baby to stay healthy IN the womb. However, on day 14 of her stay in the hospital, Peris started to bleed heavily and required an emergency cesarean section. As with ALL surgeries at Tenwek, before surgery starts, prayers were lifted to God for patient safety (in this case TWO patients), wise clinical decision making by the surgeons, and acceptance of His will for them and us. A crying baby girl, Angel Ariana, was born weighing 4 # 5oz. Peris’ intraoperative and post-operative course had a few trials for us, but nothing life threatening. Angel ultimately needed extra medications and ventilator support for her tiny, tired breathing muscles, premature lungs, and risks of infection. This morning when I visited Angel, she was about to have the breathing tube removed. Optimism prevails as prayers continue for them both.

Peris and daughter, Angel Arianna

Not all Tenwek stories end in what we can describe as miracles. However, we don’t know what God’s plans are for these situations that end, by our viewpoint, sadly. Four days after Peris and Angel’s “success”ful trial, I encountered a totally unplanned crisis with Daizy. After a failed attempted delivery at home, and then in an outside clinic, her delivery was ultimately completed at Tenwek with a stillborn baby boy, and a truly life-threatening bleeding event for the mother … controlled only be an emergency hysterectomy. Fortunately, she is alive to continue raising her five other children. Five local missionaries donated blood to help her survive. Randy “just happened” to be in the Labor and Delivery area when this all happened and was able to provide quick intravenous access to administer blood and fluids to Daizy to help her survive. We certainly can never reconcile why these unimaginably painful events occur, but continue to trust that we can bring compassion, hope and faith thru our words, and more importantly, our actions as He leads us to help the patients and each other.

So many people ask us- and probably many more wonder but don’t ask- “WHY do we do these trips”? I don’t have an answer to that question. I can only say, “HOW can I NOT”? The Kenyan people are so appreciative of any effort we can provide. This morning a patient called me over to thank me for helping take care of her as she and her baby were being discharged. It is my honor and privilege. This year with the COVID-necessitated masks, it is amazing how much love and mutual respect we can share just with our eyes. It has helped me to really be VERY present when dealing with patients and co-workers. It has become a uniquely blessed interaction.

As we pack again to return to Texas, we are excited to re-connect with our families, friends, and San Antonio work and volunteer activities. May we continue to “be present” fully for all with whom we interact. We have felt your prayers, been aware of your concerns for our safety, and are profoundly grateful for you in our lives.

May God continue to guide and lead us thru all our future travels, decision-makings, and daily activities.

Marilyn and Randy