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.
In the quiet hours of the night, when most of the hospital is still, critical moments can unfold in an instant. One such moment recently highlighted the lifesaving impact of having dedicated OB hospitalists on site, ready to act when every second counts.
Dr. Cait Hauser, an Ob Hospitalist Group hospitalist and site director in Virginia, was working an overnight shift when a patient who had undergone a routine cesarean delivery earlier that evening began to show subtle but concerning signs. The surgery had been performed by the patient’s private practice physician, who had carefully signed out the case before heading home for the night.
A few hours later, Dr. Hauser was called to the bedside for low blood pressure.
She immediately evaluated the patient, coordinating with anesthesia, ordering labs, administering fluids, and performing a bedside ultrasound. At first, there was no obvious source of bleeding, and the patient appeared to stabilize. But Dr. Hauser remained vigilant.
Within 30 minutes, the patient’s blood pressure dropped again.
This time, the situation had changed. A repeat bedside evaluation and ultrasound revealed blood accumulating in the abdomen, and lab results confirmed a significant drop in hemoglobin—from 11 to 7. The diagnosis was clear: the patient was experiencing a severe internal hemorrhage.
Dr. Hauser moved quickly. The operating room was urgently opened. Anesthesia was mobilized. A massive transfusion protocol was activated, and uncrossed blood was administered without delay. The patient’s private practice physician was notified and immediately returned to assist. Together, the team transported the patient to the operating room.
Upon entering the abdomen, they encountered approximately four liters of blood. Despite attempts to control the bleeding, it became evident that the only way to save the patient’s life was to proceed with an emergency hysterectomy. Gynecologic oncology was called in to assist, and the surgery was completed successfully. The bleeding stopped.
The patient was transferred to the ICU, where she continued to recover. She received four units of blood and was discharged home in stable condition five days later.
Reflecting on the case, Dr. Hauser emphasized how critical immediate, in-hospital physician presence was to the outcome.
“If I hadn’t been in the hospital, this patient’s care would have been delayed,” she shared. “She needed urgent bedside evaluation and rapid surgical intervention. That timing made all the difference.”
This case powerfully illustrates the mission of Ob Hospitalist Group: ensuring that experienced OB hospitalists are on site, around the clock, to provide rapid, expert care when unexpected emergencies arise.
Lives are saved not just by skill, but by presence, preparedness, and teamwork. And for the women and families in this community, that presence made all the difference.
Watch the video to hear Dr. Hauser share this lifesaving story in her own words.