Delivered From Death

End-of-term complications in a difficult pregnancy almost kill a mother.

By Steward Massad
May 1, 2005 5:00 AMNov 12, 2019 5:03 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

When the nurse called from the delivery room, her voice was quavering—and not because she felt bad about waking me on that winter night. She was upset because she’d never seen a woman bleed so much.

As a gynecologic oncologist, I’m trained to understand how blood flows in the pelvis and how to remove growths from the blood vessels that feed the uterus. Obstetricians call me when they need help with postpartum bleeding they can’t stop. Usually the causes are simple: an artery lacerated during a cesarean section or a tear in the vagina after the birth of a large baby. But sometimes the bleeding is more unusual. This was one of those cases.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group