A baby born at 29 weeks of gestation and his mother survived a complicated delivery at the General Hospital in the municipality of Contramaestre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, as reported on social media this Tuesday. The Maternal and Child Care Program of Santiago de Cuba explained on its Facebook page that it was a difficult delivery, categorized as dystocia, with the mother suffering from eclampsia.
"The infant was saved thanks to the efforts of everyone at the General Hospital of Contramaestre," the post noted. Eclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication that, in extreme cases, can cause seizures and coma, associated with high blood pressure and the presence of proteins in the urine (preeclampsia).
Dystocia refers to difficulties during childbirth that require medical intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Despite the shortages in Cuban hospitals, miracles like this occur, where both mother and baby are saved.
Last March, Cuban doctors saved the life of a newborn girl from Sancti Spíritus who was born with a sealed duodenum. Little Asly Abril Alcuria was born on January 24 and was successfully operated on two days later at the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital.
Recently, a group of doctors in Miami saved the life of baby Lucas Hormachea by operating on him while he was still in his mother’s womb. The mother, Lainey Ramos Arango, underwent an unusual surgery performed for the first time in Florida. A report by Telemundo51 highlighted the medical milestone at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where Lucas was operated on for a brain blood vessel malformation while still in the womb. The baby was born without complications five weeks later via cesarean section.
Key Information on Complicated Births and Eclampsia
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about complicated births and the condition of eclampsia, which played a critical role in this story.
What is eclampsia?
Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of proteins in the urine, which can lead to seizures and coma.
What is a dystocia delivery?
A dystocia delivery involves difficulties during childbirth that require medical intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.
How common are complicated births in Cuba?
Complicated births are not uncommon in Cuba, especially given the shortages in medical supplies and resources. However, dedicated medical professionals often manage to overcome these challenges and save lives.