TN nursing grad loses life, baby in attempt to deliver at home

TN nursing grad loses life, baby in attempt to deliver at home

Trichy:11.01.2021

A 29-year-old BSc nursing graduate lost her life while delivering a baby under the supervision of her husband Vijayavarman, an acupuncture practitioner, at their house in Perambalur district on Sunday. The woman developed serious medical complications including blood coagulation while the unborn baby was found dead and decomposed within the uterus, reports Deepak Karthik.

Health department sources said Alagammal of Poolambadi village was scheduled to deliver a baby on December 28 and the family had registered her name for reproduction and child health (RCH) identification number. Alagammal, however, failed to turn up for pregnancy screening. “The family told us that they will take care of childbirth at their home. They even said they will bear the consequences and threatened us for intervening,” said R Geetharani, deputy director of health services (DDHS), Perambalur. As per government data, the state has nearly 98% institutional delivery.

DELIVERY AT HOME

Death termed suspicious, cops investigating

On Saturday night, the woman developed labour pain. The DDHS said that during the delivery attempt at home, only the head of the baby came out and Alagammal’s health deteriorated.

She developed further complications and was rushed to Perambalur government hospital in an ambulance.

The woman had developed liver and renal complications while her uterus was damaged since the baby had decomposed, the official said. Despite treatment, Alagammal’s condition worsened with blood platelets declining drastically and she had to be referred to Trichy MGMGH. She died of medical complications on Sunday. While the woman’s body was kept in the government hospital for medical examination, the family allegedly demanded that it be handed over immediately. “We have registered a case for death under suspicious circumstances. Based on further investigation and reports from the health department, we may alter the section,” Nisha Parthiban, Perambalur superintendent of police, told TOI. An RDO inquiry will also be conducted, police sources said.