When 35-year-old Gita fell pregnant with her third child, she was scared. Her first two pregnancies had been painful and uncertain. She had no access to antenatal care throughout her pregnancies and gave birth without any medical support.
Gita lives in Syada, a remote village in Humla, Nepal – where, for many years, maternal health services were simply out of reach.
Since Adara opened a birthing centre in Syada in 2023, the situation has improved. Women in the area are now supported and encouraged to attend antenatal check-ups and deliver at health facilities. For the first time, Gita had access to care throughout her pregnancy.
And it was a good thing she did.
During an antenatal visit, Gita received an ultrasound. What she heard next was frightening—her baby was lying sideways in her womb, a dangerous transverse position that could threaten both their lives.
The health workers acted quickly. Gita was referred to Simikot Hospital, where a second ultrasound showed the baby had shifted into a safer head-down position. Relieved, Gita returned home.
But early the next morning, labour began.
By 6am, Gita was back at Syada Birthing Centre, receiving IV fluids as she prepared to give birth. Two hours later, her waters broke. A routine check revealed the baby’s hand was presenting first – a sign of obstructed labour. The health workers knew they couldn’t safely deliver the baby there.
In a race against time, Gita was rushed back to Simikot Hospital, where doctors took over.
An emergency cesarean section was performed, and Gita gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Her first cry was a sound of relief – and triumph.
“I am lucky to have survived because of the timely referral and road access,” Gita says. “Without it, I wouldn’t have made it.”
Gita’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of institutional delivery and access to care before, during and after birth. Sadly, quality maternal and newborn care is still rare in remote areas like Humla.
But we’re working to change that by expanding maternal, newborn and child health services across Humla – so more women and babies have the chance to survive and thrive.
