Dubai: Mother, baby saved after pregnancy turns into rare life-threatening emergency
What was supposed to be a routine delivery for a second-time mother — at full-term pregnancy — turned into a life-threatening emergency for both the mother and baby. Thanks to swift medical action, both of them survived.
Indian mum Radhikaben Sachin Dolakiya, 33, was admitted to International Modern Hospital, Bur Dubai last month for labour induction (this is when doctors use medicines or other medical methods to bring on labour before the pregnant woman goes into labour on her own) due to high blood sugar levels, excess amniotic fluid, and a larger-than-average baby.
'Everything seemed under control until the unexpected happened,' Dr Meera T Anto, specialist gynaecologist at IMH, told Khaleej Times.
'What started as a routine delivery turned into a battle for survival against one of the rarest and deadliest obstetric emergencies — amniotic fluid embolism (AFE),' she added, explaining: 'During labour, Radhikaben's water suddenly broke — a normal part of childbirth. But in a terrifying turn of events, she collapsed within moments.
'Her symptoms were alarming. Her pulse was weak and barely detectable. Her heart rate dropped to dangerously low levels (bradycardia). The baby also went into distress, with a sudden drop in heart rate. It was clear that both lives were in immediate danger,' she noted.
According to a medical journal, 'AFE is a dangerous and life-threatening complication that occurs during delivery or shortly after giving birth. It is very difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other serious complications during childbirth. It is a rare and life-threatening complication that occurs when a pregnant woman gets amniotic fluid (the liquid that surrounds the fetus) into their bloodstream just before, during, or immediately after childbirth.'
Emergency surgery
'It was a race against time,' said Dr Anto, 'to save the lives of the mother and baby." Recognising the hallmark signs of amniotic fluid embolism, the medical team rushed Radhikaben to the operating room for an emergency cesarean section (C-section).
'The mother's condition rapidly deteriorated. She developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) — a life-threatening blood clotting disorder that triggered massive internal bleeding, leading to a 2.5-liter blood loss.
'To stabilise her, she was given eight pints of blood, multiple units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and other blood products,' Dr Anto continued.
Even after surgery, Radhikaben was not out of danger. Further tests revealed she had developed a rectus sheath hematoma—a collection of blood in the abdominal muscles, a known complication of DIC-related bleeding disorders.
Instead of opting for another major surgery, the hospital's interventional radiology team stepped in with a minimally invasive procedure to stop the bleeding. They performed an embolization, blocking the bleeding vessel and successfully preventing further complications.
Triumph of teamwork
'It was a miracle in the delivery room,' Dr Anto highlighted, noting: 'Thanks to to swift medical action, a dedicated team, and cutting-edge care, both mother and baby survived against all odds.'
'Radhikaben and her baby made a full recovery, proving that even the most dire obstetric emergencies can have positive outcomes with the right expertise and quick decision-making,' the doctor added.
'For mothers-to-be, this case is a powerful reminder that modern medicine can handle even the rarest complications. With expert care and rapid intervention, even a life-threatening condition like AFE can be overcome,' Dr Anto continued.
Today, Radhikaben and her baby are healthy and thriving. The mother of two said: "Heartfelt gratitude to Dr Anto and the incredible team at IMH for their unwavering care and expertise. They not only saved my life but also brought my newborn safely into this world. Forever grateful for their dedication and compassion."
Meanwhile, Dr Anto said: 'Here's what every expecting mother should know — while AFE is extremely rare, this case highlights important lessons in maternal care:
Recognising warning signs saves lives — A sudden collapse during labour is a red flag that demands immediate action.
Medical teamwork is key — Obstetricians, anesthesiologists, intensivists, neonatologists, and radiologists must work together seamlessly to save both mother and baby.
Advanced medical interventions matter – Timely blood transfusions, neonatal resuscitation, and interventional radiology play a critical role in survival.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
No more insulin injections for diabetes patients? UAE doctors explain cell-based treatment
Many diabetic patients abroad have said goodbye to insulin injections or now use them less frequently and in lower doses, according to doctors who noted patients recovered after undergoing a simple surgical procedure to transplant pancreatic cells. "50 per cent of patients with Type 1 diabetes — who typically rely on insulin injections — have been cured through 'islet cell transplantation'," Dr Tahra Abdalla Al Ali, a pediatrician based in the UAE, told Khaleej Times. "This has cured people of their pancreas's inability to produce insulin. Patients will no longer depend on insulin as they look forward to a future without constant insulin management.' Dr Al Ali noted, 'In 25 cases, pancreatic cells were transplanted; and the success rate for this group was 85 per cent. Of the patients, 50 per cent completely stopped using medication. The remaining group members use injections at lower doses and less frequently.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. This treatment, which aims to benefit all patient groups, initially targeted individuals over the age of 20 who suffered from complications of diabetes and had difficulty maintaining healthy levels for an extended period. Procedure explained Dr Al Ali said islet cell transplantation involves transplanting pancreatic cells extracted from donors and studying them in specialised laboratories. Once the safety of these samples is confirmed, they are injected into the patient using a catheter-like method through the skin into a vein and then transplanted onto the liver. 'The transplanted cells help restore and regulate blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes, preventing severe, life-threatening hypoglycemia episodes and allowing patients to eliminate their daily insulin injections,' she added. Simple and safe The procedure is considered an alternative to the complete pancreas transplant to avoid surgical complications, including organ rejection and bleeding. It is regarded as a safe and simple treatment method. The Emirates Health Services (EHS), in collaboration with the University of Chicago, is working to treat patients from the UAE either abroad or by bringing experts to the country to provide care. Only for Type 1 diabetes The procedure is used exclusively for patients with Type 1 diabetes, where the main issue is the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, Dr Patanjali Panduranga, endocrinologist at Aster Hospital, explained. It is not considered a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is the primary problem. However, some early studies are exploring its use in selected cases of insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, although this remains under investigation. He noted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved islet cell transplantation in 2023 for adults with Type 1 diabetes who experienced severe hypoglycemia or poor glucose control despite intensive insulin therapy. Limitations remain 'Although the procedure has shown promising results, including insulin independence in up to 50 per cent of recipients, its broader clinical use remains limited due to the need for lifelong immunosuppression and the scarcity of suitable donor cells,' said Dr Panduranga. Dr Arvind Gaddameedi, another endocrinologist at Aster Clinic, explained that the success of islet cell transplantation depends on two key factors, safety and sustainability. Unlike full organ transplants, this procedure involves a 30-minute infusion under local anesthesia, making it accessible even to high-risk patients. However, challenges remain. One of the challenges is the availability of donor cells. While organ donation rates vary globally, innovations in islet cell processing, cryopreservation, and even stem cell-derived islets, currently under trial, may soon expand accessibility. 'These developments represent a new dawn in diabetes care. While not yet a first-line treatment, islet cell transplantation is a vital option for patients struggling with the demands of insulin therapy. As research progresses, improvements in immunosuppression, donor matching, and cell supply are expected to make this treatment more widely available.'
Khaleej Times
05-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: Viral infections among children on the rise, warn paediatricians
Doctors are reporting an increase in paediatric patients in recent weeks, with many children presenting symptoms of high-grade fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and persistent coughs. With seasonal illnesses expected to persist during transitional weather, both healthcare professionals and educators are urging parents to prioritise full recovery, hydration, and preventive measures to curb the spread of infections and safeguard the wider community. Dr Amjad Mouhammad Haider, Consultant Pediatrician at International Modern Hospital Dubai, told Khaleej Times, "We have observed a noticeable increase in pediatric visits over the past few weeks. Most children are presenting with high-grade fevers, persistent coughs, sore throats, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. We're also seeing many cases of viral infections such as upper respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis.' He added, 'While the majority are manageable on an outpatient basis, a small percentage - especially infants or children with underlying health conditions - have required hospital admission for dehydration or severe symptoms.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Haider emphasised that the increasing temperatures are playing a role. 'The rise in temperature is definitely a contributing factor, particularly due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.' However, medics also pointed out that beyond the climate, the return to school and close-contact environments is a major concern. 'As schools and daycare centers are operating at full capacity, viruses tend to spread more easily in such close-contact environments. Additionally, poor hydration and dietary imbalances during the hotter months can weaken a child's immune response,' added Haider. Echoing this, other healthcare professionals pointed out that the primary reason children are falling ill is the spread of viral infections among students. Dr Noher Moustafa, Specialist Pediatrics at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said, 'This especially happens in school settings where close contact makes transmission easier. It is quite common for children to become unwell during the school season. Increased interaction in group environments tends to heighten the risk of viral infections during this period.' Common illnesses Schools are also witnessing the impact first-hand. Sarah Brannon, Head of Preparatory School at Brighton College Dubai, confirmed the uptick in common illnesses. 'At this time of year, we are seeing some outbreaks of common illnesses like the flu, colds, and stomach bugs which are typical during seasonal changes. The health and wellness of our pupils – and the wellbeing of the wider community – is most important to us.' She detailed the school's response policy, explaining, 'We have a clear Healthy School policy in place where we closely monitor pupils' health and advise parents not to send their children to school if they show symptoms. Our policy requires pupils to stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication – this helps ensure they are well enough to be at school and engage in activities when they return.' Follow medical advice She added, 'Additionally, there is a chance of spreading illness to others in the school community, including classmates, teachers, teammates and other staff. Parents should be considerate to the rest of the school community and help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all. To support both individual well-being and the health of our wider school community, we strongly encourage families to follow medical advice and our school's return-to-school guidelines closely, ensuring pupils return when they're truly ready.' S. Reshma, Principal and School Director at Regent Gulf Indian High School, underlined the long-term implications of rushing children back to school too early. "There has been a noticeable increase in the seasonal illness not only among students but staff as well. When the child returns to school before full recovery, there are chances that a child may remain unwell for greater number of days resulting in increased absence and possibly developing complications later.'
Gulf Today
04-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Passive cooling solutions to counter oppressive heat conditions
The impact of heat in India has been severe in recent years, with numerous heat-related deaths, widespread reports of heatstroke and school closures reported. This year, the thermometer climbed above 40°C in many places in late April, earlier than normal, according to a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) feature. 'Even if nations start bringing down the greenhouse gas emissions warming the planet, temperature extremes are here to stay for the foreseeable future,' said Balakrishna Pisupati, who leads the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) India office. 'Facing the kind of oppressive heat we have seen, people across this country will need to adapt, especially in ways that do not worsen the climate is where passive cooling solutions come in, he adds. According to the UNEP feature, passive cooling solutions range from reflective roofs to cool pavements to shade-providing tree cover. Crucially, and unlike air conditioning, these solutions do not spew out planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions nor enflame the climate crisis. India has emerged as a global champion of passive cooling, integrating these approaches into national policies and city planning, often with the support of UNEP. As UNEP states, India's cities are particularly at risk due to climate change and extreme heat, as rising temperatures are exacerbated by urban heat island effects and inequitable access to cooling. Left unchecked, this heat could expose up to 200 million people in India to lethal heatwaves in the 2030s, reduce India's GDP by 2%, cause the loss of 34 million jobs, and make it that much harder for millions of people to escape poverty. India's cities cannot just air-condition a way out of this extreme heat crisis. Best practices from India and around the world show that by taking a whole-systems approach to urban cooling, Indian cities can solve their cooling challenge and increase their heat resilience. Urban cooling and cold chain are two critically under-supported areas under the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP). Two projects, delivered under the framework of the UNEP Cool Coalition, will support the Government of India to lead a transition to sustainable, accessible and climate-friendly cooling. One such project is in the Indian capital. Delhi is one of the hottest major cities, with temperatures reportedly feeling like 50°C with humidity. To help give commuters relief from the heat, the UNEP-led Cool Coalition in partnership with national and local government bodies are installing a 'cool roof' on the bustling Kashmere Gate interstate bus terminal. The roof, which covers nearly 150,000 square feet, will be retrofitted with a surface that reflects at least 80% of solar heat, helping to cool upwards of 100,000 commuters daily. Another example is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY) – India's flagship affordable housing scheme; to date, it has provided safe, secure homes to millions of families. However, in many affordable housing projects across India, keeping cool remains a challenge. Together with UNEP, PMAY aims to integrate passive cooling features – such as natural ventilation and insulated walls – into the 10 million homes the government targets for delivery by 2029. These efforts could reduce electricity use by up to 35%, by lowering indoor temperature by 3°C and giving families 40% more time in the year without needing cooling. Again, in the city of Chennai in southern India, where dense population, high-rise buildings and shortage of green space are causing temperatures to spike, attempts are on to reduce this so-called heat-island effect. UNEP's Cool Coalition and India's CEPT University mapped the city's hottest areas and provided officials with recommendations on how to use nature and passive cooling to bring down temperatures. These are being integrated into Chennai's masterplan and can reduce urban heat by up to 4°C and cut heat-caused illnesses by 15-30%. Furthermore, according to the feature, in India, most cities do not take a standardized, scientific approach for mapping urban heat, which is essential to developing plans that address scorching temperatures. To change this, UNEP and partners are supporting central and state government efforts in India to adopt cutting-edge strategies for identifying and addressing urban heat hotspots and helping develop guidelines on how these government agencies can use disaster-related funding on projects to reduce temperatures in urban areas.
