I got married 2007 and September 4th, 2008, I had my first baby at Airforce Hospital, Jos (10 days after my EDD). He was weak and all afforts to get the Nurses around to see to him proved abortive as they claimed he was perfectly okay. The doctor on ward round the following morning noticed he was having difficulty breathing and attended to him immediately. He was taken to the EPU and was placed on oxygen but he didn’t make it. He died 13 hours after birth…. And that was the beginning of struggles with pregnancy.
I got pregnant again the following year but miscarried and then again. This time, I carried the baby till 28 weeks until I stopped feeling movements. I rushed to the hospital and alas, she was dead. I was induced for three days before she came out. Oh, the jubilation.. like I had the baby alive.. The joy was that I was alive.
So many people told me to go to prayer houses. In fact, someone told me I had water spirits and my water husband doesn’t want me to have a “land baby”. Hmmm…
When I had my fourth pregnancy, I decided no more private hospitals (I, of course changed hospitals after the first) so I headed for JUTH (Jos University Teaching Hospital) where I was made to know I was O- (Rhesus Negative). Meanwhile, I have had this test over six (6) times before my fourth pregnancy but all came out positive. Hmm…, our medical system sha…
A woman with rhesus negative blood in pregnancy can be pregnant with a rhesus positive baby if the baby’s father is rhesus positive. If any of the baby’s blood enters the woman’s bloodstream, the woman’s immune system can develop antibodies (infection-fighting proteins) against the rhesus antigens. This is known as sensitisation. A transfer of blood can occur during birth, or if the woman has a bleed or an injury.
Production of the antibodies is not a problem in a first pregnancy, but when a woman with a rhesus negative blood type is pregnant next time with a rhesus positive baby, her antibodies can attack that baby’s red blood cells. This can result in a serious condition called haemolytic disease of the newborn, which leads to anaemia and jaundice in the baby.
Anti-D injection
If the woman is given an injection of a solution called ‘Anti-D’, it will ‘mop up’ any rhesus positive antigens, preventing production of antibodies against the baby. Anti-D injections reduce the risk of a rhesus negative woman becoming sensitised.
I was monitored and had to go through Cesarean Section two weeks before my EDD and took the Anti-D injection.
Long story short, I had 6 pregnancies (cause I had yet another miscarriage) and yes I have 2 lovely boys.
Ignorance makes us think medical problems are spiritual. As much as you pray, please seek medical help.
Aiso Temitope Kristy Osekafore