In the small, crowded ward of the Upazila Health Complex in Dacope, new and expecting mothers lie exhausted beneath fans that spin noisily above their heads. There are no dividers in the maternity room shared by more than 20 women, so visiting husbands are ushered out by nurses when someone needs attending to. Portrait of Sapriya Rai, 23 View image in fullscreen Sapriya Rai, 23, has pre-eclampsia and is being monitored at the Upazila Health Complex Propped up on one of the beds is Sapriya Rai, 23, due any day. “My first pregnancy was difficult, the baby was born two months premature, so I’ve been worried throughout this one,” says Rai. “I have high blood pressure and the doctor found protein in my urine so now I’m being closely monitored. I may need to be induced or have a caesarean.” Rai has pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects some women during the second half of pregnancy or soon after their baby is delivered. Diagnosed women are monitored until delivery is possible. This is normally about 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy, earlier in more severe cases.