Mother gives birth to healthy baby while battling cervical cancer

Diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer at 22 weeks pregnant, the 29-year-old mother (Hai Phong) was overwhelmed with happiness when she welcomed her healthy baby after more than 2 months of both cancer treatment and pregnancy.

On August 14, the Central Obstetrics Hospital announced that it had successfully performed surgery on a pregnant woman with late-stage cervical cancer. According to the hospital, this is a rare and extremely complicated case, requiring a smooth coordination between obstetrics, gynecological oncology, anesthesia and resuscitation, and neonatal resuscitation.

Ms. NTL shared that when she learned of her second pregnancy, she and her family were filled with joy, waiting for a new member. However, just a few months later, she suddenly discovered vaginal bleeding and went to the doctor. The diagnosis left her devastated: cervical cancer.

"When I heard the doctor say I had cancer, I was confused and scared. All I could think about was my baby, who was only 5 months old. Would he have a chance to live? Would I be able to see him born?" - Ms. L. emotionally recalled.

After an interdisciplinary consultation at the Central Obstetrics Hospital, experts decided to apply a 4-cycle chemotherapy regimen during pregnancy, to both control cancer and minimize effects on the fetus.

Before treatment, Ms. L. could not hide her worry that the chemicals would harm her baby. However, Dr. Nguyen Van Thang - head of the gynecological oncology department where Ms. L. was treated - said: "According to the latest research and recommendations, chemicals, when properly selected, will not cause birth defects and will still help control cancer.

In this case, our goal is to control the tumor, while also bringing the fetus to a viable stage, to save both mother and baby."

At week 33, Ms. L.'s water broke and she was hospitalized for monitoring and injections to mature the fetus' lungs. Three weeks after finishing chemotherapy, the team performed a cesarean section and hysterectomy.

On the afternoon of August 7, the baby boy was born healthy, letting out his first cry to the joy of the whole family and the surgical team.

Having cancer does not mean terminating pregnancy

Experts advise that cervical cancer during pregnancy does not mean terminating the pregnancy.

If diagnosed early and treated appropriately, the patient can control the disease and keep the pregnancy to term. Chemotherapy during pregnancy, if properly prescribed, does not worsen the disease and helps maintain the life of the fetus.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/san-phu-sinh-con-khoe-manh-khi-dang-chien-dau-voi-ung-thu-co-tu-cung-20250814094619083.htm