High-risk pregnancy and a Dramatic delivery for a 42-year-old mother and her newborn

Specialists from FV Thomson Maternity and the Paediatrics and Neonatology Department at FV Hospital worked closely together to ensure the safe delivery of a 42-year-old mother with hypertension. Following birth, her newborn developed severe pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) and received timely intensive care, making a remarkable recovery.

Despite the risks, a 42-year-old mother chose to continue her pregnancy

Mrs N.T.P.U. (42, Ho Chi Minh City) experienced a sudden rise in blood pressure during her sixth week of pregnancy. After more tests, she was diagnosed with chronic hypertension (high blood pressure), and she was advised to terminate the pregnancy because of the risk of severe complications. Despite the challenges ahead, her strong desire to become a mother gave her the determination to continue the pregnancy.

At 32 weeks of pregnancy, Mrs U. was admitted to FV Hospital after her blood pressure became unstable and she began showing signs of preeclampsia.

She underwent comprehensive monitoring, including blood tests, ultrasound scans and cardiotocography (CTG). According to Dr Vo Trieu Dat, MSc, Head of FV Thomson Maternity: “This was a highly challenging case. Our priority was to keep both mother and baby safe by carefully controlling the mother’s blood pressure while supporting the baby’s development and avoiding an early delivery whenever possible.”

She was closely monitored daily by doctors and nurses. Regular ultrasound scans and checks on the baby’s heartbeat helped the medical team identify even the smallest changes and respond promptly. Any warning signs were addressed immediately to reduce the risk of serious complications.

Thanks to Mrs U.’s commitment to her treatment plan and the multidisciplinary team’s careful management, the pregnancy was successfully prolonged to 37 weeks. Reaching this important milestone allowed the team to perform a Caesarean section under the safest possible conditions for both mother and baby.

Dr Vo Trieu Dat and the maternity team performing the Caesarean section. (Photo: FV)

A challenging start: Specialised care helps newborn recover from severe pulmonary hypertension

The Caesarean birth went smoothly, and the baby cried immediately after delivery. However, just five minutes later, he developed a bluish discolouration of the skin, a sign that he was not receiving enough oxygen. After a second episode shortly afterwards, the Paediatrics and Neonatology team quickly stabilised the newborn and carried out further investigations to identify the cause.

According to Dr Ho Xuan Anh, MSc, Deputy Head of the Paediatrics and Neonatology Department: “Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) usually develops several hours after birth. However, because the baby showed symptoms almost immediately and his mother had experienced complications during pregnancy, we suspected the condition at a very early stage.”

Further tests confirmed that the baby had severe pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition that affects blood flow between the heart and lungs. The condition can occur in both full-term and premature babies. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to reduce the risk of long-term health and developmental complications.

Dr Ho Xuan Anh caring for the baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). (Photo: FV)

The baby was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialised care. He received non-invasive respiratory support along with advanced neonatal treatments, including nutritional support and medication tailored to his condition. To support his recovery, the team also encouraged skin-to-skin contact with his mother and incorporated soothing measures such as music therapy whenever appropriate. For babies with pulmonary hypertension, minimising stress and discomfort plays an important role in recovery. After nearly three weeks of treatment and close monitoring, the baby improved steadily and was well enough to go home, bringing great joy to his family and the medical team.

The baby was discharged after nearly three weeks of treatment in the Paediatrics and Neonatology Department. (Photo: FV)

Multidisciplinary care for high-risk pregnancies

According to the medical team, the positive outcome was made possible by close collaboration between FV Thomson Maternity, the Paediatrics and Neonatology Department and NICU. From careful monitoring throughout pregnancy to the prompt management of complications after birth, every stage of care was closely coordinated.

Dr Vo Trieu Dat explained: “Maternity and paediatric care go hand in hand. Our teams work closely together from pregnancy through to delivery and newborn care, ensuring that both mother and baby receive the support they need at every stage.” This integrated approach has helped establish FV Thomson Maternity as a trusted referral centre for high-risk pregnancies in southern Vietnam.

Doctors advise pregnant women, particularly those aged 35 and over or living with conditions such as hypertension, to attend all scheduled antenatal appointments and follow their recommended monitoring and testing plan.

After birth, parents should seek medical attention promptly if their baby develops warning signs such as bluish skin, breathing difficulties or poor feeding.

For babies recovering from pulmonary hypertension, regular follow-up appointments and close monitoring during the first months of life are important to support healthy growth and development.

To learn more about pregnancy care, maternity packages and services at FV Thomson Maternity, please contact (028) 35 11 33 33 or visit us at 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.