Super Mom misses NRHM, loses all five babies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 25 2014: Oinam (O) Gita hit headlines of all dailies on September 23 after she delivered a quintuplet the previous day.

But all her labour pains went in vain and very little is left for the miracle to rejoice over for four babies died one after another.

Had Gita gone for regular health check-up soon after her pregnancy was confirmed, had she visited hospital in time and had she consumed nutritious food, all the five babies could have survived, said some doctors.

But Gita could not go for regular check-up even though she knew she was pregnant.

She could not come to Imphal for regular diagnosis and nutritious food was literally inaccessible.

Nor did she receive any assistance from National Rural Health Mission or ASHAs.

Though there is an ASHA at Gita's village the ASHA never came or enquired about her pregnancy.

The babies born on September 22 at the hospital-File photo

Oinam (O) Gita (32) w/o Oinam Santa of Thanga Samukol delivered a quintuplet within seven minutes on September 22 at RIMS.

Two of the babies weighed 900 grams each, two others weighed 800 grams each while the fifth weighed 700 gram.

Four were females and one male.

One of the female babies died on the day of delivery and the remaining three on September 23 .

The male baby died at the neo-natal intensive care unit of RIMS today.

Head, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department RIMS Dr Nabakishore said that if a woman is pregnant with twin or more, she requires treatment at hospital.

Nutritious food and rest are also essential.

Generally, women pregnant with twins or more would deliver babies prematurely.

Nonetheless, the babies remain in the womb for at least 37 weeks with necessary medication/treatment.

To strengthen lung function of the unborn babies, necessary injections are administered and it is crucial to ensure that all the vital organs can function independently before the babies are delivered.

Delivery of the quintuplet at RIMS on September 22 was an emergency case.

The mother came with an Ultrasound test result and the result said it looked like multiple pregnancy but no definite number was given.

A woman pregnant with more than two babies needs constant medical attention.

It is advisable to admit such women in hospitals so that they receive medical care round the clock.

Death of babies born prematurely does not depend on their weights at the time of delivery.

A baby weighing just 600 gms may survive if its vital organs are mature enough.

On the other hand, a baby weighing more than 600 gms may not survive if its vital organs cannot function properly.

Of the five babies, four drew their food from one common umbilical cord and the male baby drew its food from another umbilical cord.

For this very reason, the male baby was more mature than the other babies, said Dr Ranbir.

Had Gita admitted herself in hospital sometime before the delivery, she could have delivered the babies about three weeks later when vital organs of the babies are more mature.

Dr Nabakishore said that Gita seemingly delivered the quintuplet after being pregnant for six months and a half if one goes by the weights of the babies at the time of their delivery.

RIMS Paediatrics Department Head Dr Ranbir said that survival Once a woman realizes that she is pregnant with more than one baby, she should take more food, rest more and she should be mentally prepared.

Gita who is presently lying on bed no 2 of RIMS post-natal ward said that she already has four children.

Unlike in the earlier cases, Gita's belly bulged out in a manner quite incompatible to the period of pregnancy.

She could neither eat nor sleep properly.

She felt exhausted both physically and mentally.

She could not even cut her nails.

She went to Churachandpur district hospital once but came back without seeing any doctor.

Even when Gita felt quite unwell, she bore the pain and stayed at home all alone.

Her husband is a fisherman and the family lives hand to mouth.

In their effort to keep the kitchen fire burning, they could not spare any money to come to Imphal and visit any hospital.

There is an ASHA at Gita's village but the ASHA never came or enquired about her pregnancy.

Just about a week before the miraculous delivery, Gita was taken to Bishnupur District Hospital.

There Dr Wangoleima observed that Gita's condition was serious and further advised Gita's family to take Ultrasound test.

The Ultrasound test result said that three babies are expected.

Compelled by unbearable pain and fatigue, Gita was taken to Bishnupur District Hospital on September 22 but she was referred to RIMS.

Gita conceded that illiteracy and poverty combined together robbed her off four lovely babies.

The babies were delivered after a little over six months of pregnancy.

Gita's mother-in-law Tharongou said that there is one ASHA in their village.

"But we don't ever see her doing anything.

Had she helped a little bit, it could have been a big relief", Tharongou said.

"When I learnt that I was blessed with five grandchildren, I was worried and euphoric at the same time but it turned out to be a tragedy with the expiry of all five babies one after another.

Our only solace is that the mother has recovered significantly", said Gita's mother-in-law.