OPPS, IT'S A BABY!

• A lady was brought in by her relatives to the A&E’s (Accident & Emergency) Yellow (or semi-critical) Zone & was seen first by the MA (Medical Assistant). She complained of sudden onset of severe abdominal pain associated with abdominal swelling. The MA had described the patient’s abdomen as grossly distended. Upon examination by the MO (Medical Officer), the patient was found to be in labour. A quick bedside ultrasound was done & confirmed a full term-sized baby. The patient, who denied being sexually active, asked “How did it get there?”
  

• On another occasion, a thirty something year old unmarried woman was brought in to the A&E by her mother for abdominal pain & per vaginal bleeding. Like the previous patient, she too had strongly denied any sexual activity. Investigations, however, revealed an ectopic pregnancy. If not operated on immediately, an ectopic pregnancy could rupture & would then be life-threatening. The patient consented for surgery, but told the attending MO, “Can you tell my mother that I have a growth somewhere in my womb or ovary & it has to be removed immediately?”