Uruzgan, Afghanistan — After 10 pregnancies that mostly resulted in debilitating complications due to the absence of skilled midwifery care, Zainabo learned the importance of antenatal care in preventing life-threatening conditions.

For most of her life, access to healthcare was out of reach for 38-year-old Zainabo. Her village in Tarinkot District had no health post, and she had to travel long distances for medical services. Her husband is a farmer, and the family’s income barely meets their basic needs, making maternal care optional for her. Pregnancy and childbirth were managed at home, often with the help of untrained traditional birth attendants. 

Eight of her 10 deliveries took place under these conditions. Each time, she faced complications, heavy bleeding, pain, fever, weakness, and low blood pressure. Two of her pregnancies ended in miscarriage. There was no one to guide her, no medicine nearby, and no place to turn for advice.

“Back then, we did not know what to do,” Zainabo recalls. “We endured everything at home.”

That reality began to change when a Family Health House (FHH) was established in Qala-e-Kala, which is a 25-minute walk from her home. The birthing facility is supported by UNFPA with funding from the European Union. On her ninth pregnancy, Zainabo finally accessed professional health care for the first time, even if it meant travelling on foot. The effort paid off as she safely delivered her ninth child without the usual complications.

However, during her 10th pregnancy last year, Zainabo again experienced bleeding, with abdominal pain, fever, weakness, and low blood pressure. Although she knew where to go for medical care, it was too late by the time she reached the FHH. She had another miscarriage.

Still, the midwife on duty acted without delay to ensure that no further complications would pose a risk to Zainabo’s life. The mother was examined and treated, and medication was started right away. 

After the treatment, the midwife explained Zainabo’s condition, emphasizing the importance of allowing her body to fully heal and recover from childbirth before getting pregnant again. The midwife also helped her understand warning signs that should prompt immediate care during pregnancy.

Zainabo has recovered from the miscarriage, but continues to utilize services at the FHH. More importantly, her perspective on maternal health has changed. She plans to continue regular visits to the midwife, who has taught her the importance of nutrition, hygiene, and timely treatment.

For Zainabo and many women in her village, the presence of the FHH has brought care closer, reduced fear, and replaced years of uncertainty with reassurance for pregnant women.