First Pregnancy: Hypertensive Crisis and Emergency Cesarean Section
Every pregnancy journey comes with its share of the unexpected. For the first-time mother -- Ms. May, Pimporn Panday, her experience was no exception. What began as a smooth, well-planned pregnancy suddenly turned into an emergency, requiring an urgent cesarean section to save both her baby and her own life.
This edition of Patient Story is a powerful testament to maternal love and the miracle of life. It reminds expectant mothers to stay vigilant and attuned to warning signs throughout pregnancy for a safer experience. Let us follow her riveting journey.
Hypertension During Pregnancy: A Crucial Concern for Expectant Mothers
Upon learning that she was expecting a little one to bring joy and completeness to her family life, Ms. May took exceptional care of herself, closely following her doctor’s guidance. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly, with the baby developing well and showing no signs of complications. The only concern throughout the journey was one significant issue—gestational hypertension.
“I have never experienced any morning sickness from the get-go until the end. I was able to enjoy my meals without feeling nauseated or dizzy, and I could drive and work as usual. I was of advanced age when I became pregnant. I have a background of elevated blood pressure during migraine attacks or in times of significant stress. Moreover, I am panicky whenever I visit the hospital, shooting up my blood pressure. My doctor prescribed Baby Aspirin as a preventive measure from the beginning of my pregnancy to the entire term.”
Ms. May conscientiously attended every scheduled appointment for ultrasound scans and prenatal check-ups, closely monitoring her baby’s development from the first trimester into the second. However, at 35 weeks into her pregnancy, she began experiencing unusually intense dizziness. Concerned, she started checking her blood pressure regularly to ensure everything remained within safe limits.
“I checked my blood pressure and found that it was consistently high. Every time I checked, it kept rising: the systolic number climbed from 140 to 150, and it didn’t stop there. When I measured it again in the morning, it reached 170. I immediately messaged the nursing team caring for me about what I should do. The nurse advised me to see the doctor right away.”
Ms. May visited her doctor and received the first dose of an antenatal corticosteroid injection to accelerate fetal lung development. According to the plan, she was supposed to return for the second dose the following day. However, her doctor advised her to be on her toes as an emergency cesarean section might be necessary within the next one to two days.
That night, after returning home, Ms. May experienced periodic muscle twitches during sleep. By morning, she developed severe dizziness and ringing in the ears and ultimately lost consciousness. Her husband, who had been closely monitoring her condition, immediately rushed to her aid.
“I had a seizure right there in the car and was unresponsive for about 10 to 20 seconds with my eyes rolling back. My husband quickly cleared the food from my mouth and drove me to the nearest hospital. There, I underwent several procedures before being transferred to MedPark Hospital for an emergency cesarean section.”
A Critical Moment: Saving Mother and Child from Severe Preeclampsia
Despite the urgency, Ms. May remained composed, clearly articulating her symptoms and recalling most events. She felt safe and reassured in the hands of her medical team. On that day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boonchai Uerpairojkit, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, along with the anesthesiologist and nursing team, swiftly coordinated and prepared the operating room for an emergency cesarean section as soon as she arrived at MedPark Hospital.
The response was prompt and precisely executed. Within minutes of entering the operating room, Ms. May and her husband heard the first cries of baby “Item,” their tiny newborn delivered safely into the world.
“The most memorable moment for me was that, even though my baby had only received one dose of the lung-maturing injection, the very first second he was born, he let out a loud, hearty cry. Dr. Boonchai even remarked that his cry was more blaring than that of a full-term baby, indicating that his lungs were healthy. He cried out three times, and at that moment, I was so relieved knowing that he was safe.”
Although born weighing only 1.8 kilograms, the vigorous and loud cries were a promising sign beyond initial expectations. Baby Item received attentive care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for preterm infants, where staff carefully regulated the temperature and managed the jaundice. Meanwhile, Ms. May received close postpartum monitoring and expert guidance on newborn care from pediatric specialists, enabling her to care for her newborn with confidence.
Ms. May would like to remind all expectant mothers that preeclampsia is a critical condition that requires careful attention and regular monitoring. It can significantly increase the risk of serious complications for both the mother and the unborn child.
“It was a real wake-up call for me. No one ever wants something like this to happen. Whether the risk is 1% or 2%, I was not sure. But for every expectant mother, here is my advice. First, always observe yourself for any unusual signs. That sense of vigilance—that worry—can be what saves you. Second, I regularly monitor my blood pressure. If my readings ever exceeded my usual baseline, that was my signal to consult a doctor right away. Early detection is key. Know your body, watch for signs, and never assume that everything will always go smoothly. It is okay to worry—but do not overdo it.”
