A couple in Nyeri County is in distress after losing their new-born baby in a case linked to possible negligence.
According to Nation, Felix Muriithi and his wife, Jacinta Muriithi, went to Consolata Hospital Mathari in Nyeri County but the medics totally disregarded the patient feedback.
Going against her request for Caesarean Section (CS), the hospital reportedly induced labour for 34 hours.
It reportedly took 22 hours after Ms Muriithi broke her water before she was finally wheeled into the theatre for the operation which saw the baby die minutes after delivery.
Seeking to get clarification on the intrigues of labour ward operations, Kenyans.co.ke spoke to Zaweliah Waweru, a registered nurse (RN).
The medic noted that after labour kicks in, one is only allowed a maximum of 12 hours before the situation is declared candidate for emergency CS.
"For those who get admitted while already in labour, 18 hours is the maximum waiting period," Ms Waweru stated.
This is nearly double the 34 hours that Ms Muriithi spent after induction of labour.
The nurse further revealed that once a woman breaks her water, a period of 6 hours is allowed when the amniotic fluid has traces of fetal stool (meconium) and 12 hours if the water is clear.
This is equally way below the 22 hours that Ms Muriithi spent during the incident at Consolata Hospital Mathari .
"Prolonged labour after the water breaks increases chances of infection, lowers survival rate since the baby is no longer protected and may lead to complications such as breathing problems on birth," the nurse explained.
Although the 3.7kg baby was below the 4kg lower limit for a big baby (which increases chances of a medical emergency), going contrary to the patient's request for elective CS is reportedly against the medical practice.
One can only be medically induced with labour twice at a 4-hours interval after which the case is declared an emergency CS.
Previous scars indicating preceding cases of CS also increase the chances of one delivering through the same procedure.
According to Nation, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Bernard Muriithi admitted the hospital management is aware of the case and that investigations are underway in efforts to understand what happened on the material day.
