Oops, I’m pregnant

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced during pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta); why do I bore you with this definition from Wikipedia.

The Family Planning (F/P) unit of the Oda New Town sub-district of the Birim Central Municipal Health Administration (for those who don’t know) is just by my office. Rarely and quite recently a woman came to the clinic complaining that despite having jadelle (a five year contraceptive inserted under the upper arm) inserted, she is pregnant. There is awe all over her face. She is disappointed in the whole process.’ But I tested negative before the procedure was done’; that is my inspiration for this piece.

I am not disappointed in the whole process, but in the counselor, I strongly believe the counselor did not do enough to prevent this situation. This instance is very preventable but why does it happen.

I am so enthused by Microsoft Excel so much so that, I if Ante Grace asked me 2+2, I will open Ms Excel, write a formula and calculate it for her, she is not all happy about that anyway; I am sure our midwifes are equally addicted to technology. The over-reliance on the test kits brings about this problem. hCG must be stated emphatically that, is only present in detectable quantities in urine following pregnancies (or a pathophysiology

Then the disappointments; hCG is detected in the urine after twelve (12) days, some say even 14 days, so how come there was such reliance on the strip to detect the pregnancy. Imagine the woman had sex about a week ago and had the jadelle inserted afterwards. All things not being equal, she may be pregnant yet the results of the urine hCG test will be negative.

A simple but intrusive question would have solved this problem if it was asked. When was the last time you had sex? Point blank. If she cannot remember, she should come when she is in her menses (hope against hope it is not implantation bleeding she is having) this way, this loss-of-faith can be avoided.

There is pressure on us, inadequate staffing, etc; I believe it is much better to have a satisfied client than a dissatisfied one. The former can get “Engender” some clients but the latter can cause GHS to lose her target.

‘Sankofa, yen kyiri’ to wit, it is never too late to go back; we didn’t start with God, but hopefully we can end with him.God help us all come out of this disservice that lead to dissatisfaction, for king and country. Amen.