On April 15, a pregnant 22-year-old woman was admitted to Dong Thap Military and Civilian Hospital due to delayed labor at 37 weeks of pregnancy. The baby, who was breech, was successfully delivered weighing 2.8 kg. Mother and child were closely monitored at the hospital following the delivery.
However, on April 18, the family reported the baby’s fever and vomiting to the doctor twice. Despite the doctor noting a mild fever and normal blood oxygen levels, the baby’s condition deteriorated. The baby was later rushed to the emergency room when he was found pale and unresponsive.
Upon arrival, medical staff attempted to resuscitate the baby using vasopressors, but unfortunately, his condition did not improve. On April 19, the Dong Thap Health Department held a press conference to share initial information about the tragic event after family members posted reaction videos on social media.
According to health officials, proper care and monitoring for newborns are crucial in their first 28 days of life when they are most vulnerable. They pledged to retrain medical staff on obstetric emergencies and postpartum care as well as educate the public on essential care for newborns to prevent future tragedies caused by infant digestive fluid aspiration syndrome which occurs when newborns inhale milk back into their airways leading to complications that require immediate treatment.
