In a remarkable display of skill and perseverance, a team of doctors and nurses at the Anakapalli district government hospital in Andhra Pradesh successfully conducted a complex normal delivery of a baby weighing a substantial 4.8 kilograms. Both the 25-year-old mother and her newborn are reported to be in stable condition following this rare medical achievement.
A Challenging Delivery Against the Odds
The patient, a resident of the Pendurthi area, was admitted to the hospital late on Tuesday night. This was her second delivery, with her first child also being born normally at the same facility. Initial ultrasound scans in the eighth month of pregnancy estimated the fetal weight at around 3 kg. However, doctors observed a significant increase in the baby's weight by the ninth month, prompting them to prepare for both normal delivery and caesarean section scenarios.
During labour, while the baby's head was delivered without major issues, the medical team encountered a serious complication known as shoulder dystocia. The infant's high birth weight caused the shoulders to get stuck, making a caesarean section seem like the only immediate option to ensure safety.
The Critical Maneuver That Made the Difference
Faced with this critical situation, the doctors did not opt for surgery. Instead, they meticulously applied a specialized technique called the Woods Corkscrew manoeuvre. This procedure involves specific rotational movements to free the impacted shoulder. Their skilled execution allowed them to safely deliver the baby's shoulders and complete the birth entirely through natural means, avoiding any surgical intervention.
The successful outcome was the result of nearly four hours of continuous effort by the medical team. The operation was led by Dr. Soujanya and Dr. Manasa, a third-year postgraduate student. They were supported by staff nurses Jagadeeswari and J Kumari, and ANM Saraswathi.
Recognizing a Rare Achievement in Secondary Healthcare
KVN Chakradhar Babu, the Director of Secondary Health, highlighted the exceptional nature of this case. He stated that such a successful normal delivery for a macrosomic baby (the medical term for high birth weight) is extremely rare for a secondary-level government hospital, especially one operating without super-speciality facilities.
Medical experts note that babies with macrosomia, typically defined as weighing over 4 kg, face increased risks such as breathing difficulties at birth. For the mother, risks include excessive bleeding and perineal tears. Consequently, caesarean sections are often recommended for infants weighing between 4 to 4.5 kg or more.
Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Health, Y Satya Kumar Yadav, congratulated the hospital staff on their achievement. He noted that the Anakapalli facility handles close to 400 deliveries every month, with a significant 65% to 70% being normal deliveries. The minister emphasized the importance of continuing to prioritize and support natural birth processes within government hospitals across the state.
