Mother Loses Baby and Sight After Sinus Infection During Pregnancy

A 37-year-old mother from Chatham, Kent, experienced a devastating series of health crises during her third pregnancy, resulting in the loss of her baby boy and her sight in one eye. Initially dismissing her symptoms as allergies, Happiness Temishe faced severe complications after developing a sinus infection that severely impacted her health.

The ordeal began in 2020 when Temishe, three months pregnant, awoke with intense pain in her right eye. Concerned, her husband insisted they visit the hospital. Medical staff identified elevated blood sugar levels, a potential indicator of gestational diabetes, but were unable to determine the cause of her eye pain. They eventually attributed her suffering to a sinus infection exacerbated by hormonal changes during pregnancy and advised her to return home.

As outlined in a study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology in 2022, pregnancy alters the immune system, which can increase vulnerability to infections. A week later, Temishe’s condition worsened as her eye began to bulge unnaturally from its socket.

“I couldn’t fully open my eyes on my own,” Temishe recalled, describing the emotional turmoil as her husband looked on in fear. Rushed back to the hospital, she was admitted for a week as her condition deteriorated. Eventually, she woke up unable to see.

During this harrowing time, doctors made the difficult decision to stitch her eye shut to preserve her vision. “The pain was worse than labour pain,” she said. “I was awake all through the night in pain, just crying.”

Despite undergoing surgery, Temishe did not regain her sight. The struggle with pain persisted from September to December, overshadowing her pregnancy. In January 2021, she faced further heartbreak when a hospital scan revealed that her baby no longer had a heartbeat. “I was so depressed, I started crying,” she recounted, revealing that the infection had ultimately caused her son’s death.

The emotional toll was immense, particularly for Temishe’s two daughters. “I told her he had gone to heaven,” she explained, struggling to find solace amid her grief.

Pregnancy significantly alters a woman’s immune response, making her more susceptible to infections. Hormonal changes can lead to various health risks, including urinary tract infections and respiratory issues. For example, higher levels of progesterone can relax the bladder, causing urine to remain longer, which can lead to infections.

Since her ordeal, Temishe had surgery on the left side of her nose to prevent future infections. She later welcomed a healthy girl, now one year old, but adapting to life with one eye has proven challenging. “Looking at myself in the mirror, I have drastically changed,” she stated.

Temishe noted that her appearance has changed, with one eyelid drooping permanently. “Everybody that sees me asks what happened. I used tinted glasses so people couldn’t see my eyes,” she explained, adding that she now embraces her story to inspire others. “Tribulations will always come, you need to find beauty in pain.”

Every January 18, she takes a moment to celebrate her lost son, reflecting on the strength he gave her during this difficult journey.

To mitigate infection risks during pregnancy, experts recommend simple hygiene practices. Regular handwashing, food safety precautions, and careful handling of pets can significantly reduce the likelihood of infections. Pregnant women are also encouraged to stay updated on vaccinations and seek prompt medical attention if they feel unwell.

As Temishe continues to navigate her new reality, she hopes her story will raise awareness about the potential complications of pregnancy and the importance of timely medical intervention.