Tragic Birth Story: A Mother's Journey Through Five Hospitals Ends in Heartbreak

E.C., a 37-year-old pregnant woman, experienced a harrowing journey across five hospitals, with none of the exams revealing any issues until complications arose during delivery due to the baby's low oxygen levels. The Executive Directorate of the SNS found no faults in the care provided.

Two days later, with hospitals in the Setúbal Peninsula unable to accommodate her (due to closed or limited emergency services), the SNS24 line directed E.C. to Cascais Hospital, 42 kilometers from her home in Amora. Despite being told there was no room in the Obstetrics department, E.C. underwent another CTG, her fourth in 11 days, which again showed no alarming signs regarding the fetus's vital signs. "She did not meet the criteria for hospitalization as it was not an emergency," a hospital source stated, noting E.C.'s insistence on reevaluation and refusal to return home. She was then redirected to Santa Maria Hospital.

Days 21/22 of June – Hospital de Santa Maria

Upon arrival in Lisbon, with her pregnancy nearing 41 weeks, the obstetric team decided to induce labor, with no indications of the tragic outcome that would follow. "The labor proceeded without significant complications," Santa Maria ULS reported, adding that ultrasounds showed normal fetal growth. However, during delivery on June 22, complications emerged. Attempts to assist the birth with instruments failed, and with the fetus in a state of low oxygenation, a cesarean section was performed, which also faced complications.

"A large hematoma in the uterus's broad ligament was discovered, hindering the incision and delaying the fetus's extraction,"** Santa Maria ULS admitted. The newborn, weighing 4,525g, showed signs of life but succumbed to the low oxygenation episode before birth.

Nuno Clode, president of the Portuguese Society of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, described the hematoma as an "abnormal, uncommon condition with a poor prognosis," potentially leading to uterine rupture. "The surgical team must have been completely confused upon encountering this during the cesarean," he said, emphasizing how the hematoma complicated the procedure and delayed delivery, crucial minutes where the fetus's oxygen levels critically dropped.