This archive report was first published on 19 October 2021.
Published on October 19, 2021, a pregnant woman's life was turned upside down when she contracted Covid-19 during her first pregnancy. Anita Nekesa had a miscarriage in December last year, unaware that she had contracted the virus.
She recalls feeling dizzy and bleeding, rushing to the hospital where an ultrasound showed that her cervix was still closed, indicating that the baby had not engaged. However, the doctors could not feel the baby's heartbeat, and a dilation and curettage procedure (D&C) was performed to end the pregnancy.
After a month, Anita resumed work and discovered she was pregnant again. However, her second pregnancy was also marred by complications. At five months, she experienced contractions and was rushed to the hospital, where a scan showed that everything was normal. Despite this, the doctor advised her to return every three weeks due to her previous miscarriage.
Days later, Anita woke up feeling unwell but ignored her symptoms, thinking it was just a cold. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was taken to Aga Khan Hospital, where she was diagnosed with an infection. Despite being given painkillers and antibiotics, Anita's condition worsened, and she was eventually tested for Covid-19, which she had contracted unknowingly.
After a long and arduous recovery, Anita's doctors advised her to take the Moderna vaccine. She received her second jab last Friday and is now advocating for pregnant women to be prioritized for vaccination. Anita's story serves as a testament to the importance of vaccination during pregnancy.
She urges the government to prioritize pregnant women when it comes to vaccination, citing 12 epidemiological studies in the UK and US that show the vaccine is safe for expectant mothers. Anita has also agreed to participate in a study by Aga Khan and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to provide data that can help other women who may be in similar situations.
