Comprehensive Management of Severe Pre-Eclampsia Ensures Safe Delivery for Mother and Baby at Desun Hospital

January 30, 2026

Patient Background & Initial Presentation

A 32-year-old woman from Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas, pregnant for the first time, had enjoyed an uncomplicated pregnancy until her 34th week, when suddenly, over a few days, she developed swelling of her face and feet. She also had persistent headaches, and episodes of blurred vision. Her husband brought her to Desun Hospital, known for its advanced maternal and neonatal care and its JCI-accredited clinical protocols.

On arrival at the Emergency, her blood pressure measured 170/110, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby. She also had complaints of epigastric discomfort, a warning sign of impending complications. The Obstetrics team immediately suspected severe pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring rapid intervention.

Clinical Challenges & Risks

Severe pre-eclampsia places both mother and child at high risk, with complications including eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, stroke, organ dysfunction, and compromised blood flow to the foetus, leading to growth restriction or foetal distress. In this case, the foetus had reduced movements over the last 24 hours, and an urgent ultrasound revealed that amniotic fluid levels were below optimal with signs of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Continuous cardiac monitoring indicated intermittent foetal heart rate, which is an early warning sign of foetal compromise.

Looking at the situation at hand, Desun’s ER and OB-GYN teams had two crucial tasks at hand, to stabilise the mother and prevent seizures or stroke, and to deliver the baby at the right time to avoid life-threatening complications.

Desun’s Multi-disciplinary, Rapid Response Approach

The treatment team included Obstetricians, Internal Medicine Specialists, Anaesthesiologists, Neonatologists, and Critical Care nurses, ensuring all aspects are covered for multi-disciplinary excellence. Immediate management included medicines via IV to prevent seizures, medication to control blood pressure, constant monitoring of kidney and liver functions, strict fluid balance monitoring, continuous foetal surveillance, oxygen supplementation, and maternal positioning to optimise blood flow to the baby. Despite stabilisation efforts, foetal monitoring patterns remained concerning, on re-evaluation, the team decided that an emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) was the safest course of action.

Emergency LSCS for Precision and Safety

Within minutes, the patient was transferred to Desun’s all steel modular OT complex, equipped to handle high-risk obstetric surgeries, and backed by internationally aligned JCI safety checklists. The anaesthesia team opted for spinal anaesthesia, allowing quicker recovery and safer hemodynamic monitoring. The obstetric team performed the LSCS with efficiency and precision. A pre-term baby girl was delivered, weighing 1.9 kg but showing good initial response to resuscitation. Immediately after delivery, the Neonatology team transported the infant to Desun’s advanced Level3 NICU, ensuring proper thermal regulation, respiratory support, and glucose stabilisation.

Post-operative Care & NICU Support

The mother was monitored in HDU for 48 hours due to the risk of post-partum complications like pulmonary oedema and blood pressure spikes. While her blood pressure stabilised gradually, and her symptoms resolved, the baby received supportive NICU care, including CPAP-assisted breathing for 24 hours, temperature and feeding management, infection surveillance, and continuous monitoring as per JCI neonatal safety standards. Within one week, the baby began feeding well and gained adequate weight.

Outcome & Follow-Up

Both mother and child were discharged in good health after ten days. At her six-week follow-up, the mother’s blood pressure returned to normal, and she had fully recovered. The baby continued to grow well with scheduled paediatric evaluations. This case stands testimony to Desun Hospital’s strength in managing high-risk pregnancies, ensuring safe outcomes through timely intervention, advanced NICU support, and JCI-accredited clinical pathways. It showcases the hospital’s commitment to delivering comprehensive maternal and neonatal care even in the most challenging scenarios.
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