Every day, OBHG clinicians deliver life-saving care for all women with OB/GYN emergencies. Their presence in the hospital and dedication to patients makes a significant difference when every minute counts. Here is an incredible story about a life-saving intervention performed by one of OBHG’s amazing clinicians.
Two Tiny Heartbeats, One Brave Night: A Lifesaving Twin Delivery in the OBED
For one 24-year-old mother expecting twins, the presence of an OB hospitalist on-site 24/7 proved to be lifesaving.
Dr. Nina Fertitta, an OBHG hospitalist in Louisiana, was on shift when the patient arrived at the OB emergency department in active labor. Dr. Fertitta quickly evaluated the situation, discovering that the mother was already eight centimeters dilated. With twin gestation and the first baby in the breech position, an urgent cesarean section was the safest course of action.
Thanks to the efficiency of the hospital team, the mother was swiftly transferred to the operating room and placed under general anesthesia. The cesarean section began and within minutes, Twin A was delivered weighing 5 pounds 13 ounces with strong APGAR scores. Twin B, in a transverse position, was then safely delivered weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces. While both newborns required brief oxygen resuscitation, they were otherwise healthy and able to remain with their mother in the newborn nursery.
However, the mother’s journey wasn’t over. She experienced a postpartum hemorrhage, losing 1,175 ccs of blood. Though her vital signs remained stable, her hemoglobin dropped from 8 to 6.7, necessitating a blood transfusion. Thanks to immediate intervention and expert care, she recovered well and was discharged on post-op day two with her two healthy babies.
This case highlights the vital role of OB hospitalists in ensuring positive maternal and neonatal outcomes. With a dedicated OB hospitalist on-site, critical decisions can be made swiftly, reducing risks and preventing complications. In this case, what could have been a prolonged NICU stay—or worse—was instead a triumphant moment where a mother took her healthy twins home.
Dr. Fertitta’s story is a powerful reminder of why hospitals benefit from having OB hospitalists available 24/7. Their presence can mean the difference between an emergency and a success story—just like this one.