FETO-MATERNAL ULTRASOUND

In the western wighlands, as in most rural areas of Guatemala, midwives (comadronas) provide care to the majority of pregnant women. Most babies are born at home, in remote villages. A complication in the delivery can result in a bad outcome for the baby, such as cerebral palsy, or even the death of mother and baby.

To attempt to identify high risk pregnancies MHI has developed an ultrasound program that involved working with a Guatemalan radiologist to train Mario in the use of the machine.

The ultimate goal of the program is to reach out to the “comadronas”, using ultrasound to help them  identify possible high risk pregnancies, which can be referred to the national hospital. As a native Mam speaker Mario is uniquely positioned to work with the “comadronas” in facilitating the care of pregnant women in the western highlands".