High-risk Obstetrics: Dr. Nakanishi, Ethan & Emma's Story
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital obstetrician/gynecologist Akemi Nakanishi, M.D., tested the high-risk expertise of the hospital's renowned Waud Family Maternity Services by delivering her own twins in less than optimal circumstances.
"As an obstetrician, I knew there were risks with any pregnancy. But I’m not a worrier. I thought whatever happens, happens. In fact, I had been delivering babies for ten years to women with far greater complications than what I might be facing. If complications arose, I felt confident that my partner, Dr. Adriana Spellman, along with our nurses, could take care of me.
"Then, at 35 weeks, I developed the severe high blood pressure that comes from preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition that can occur during pregnancy. Adding to that, we discovered a complication with the babies’ positions: “Baby A” was facing down, but “Baby B” was transverse, lying across my stomach. My husband and I maintained an attitude that everything would work out, possibly because we had already gone through in vitro fertilization — twice.
"My twins were born healthy, but afterwards I began to hemorrhage — that was scary. Fortunately, the Rapid Response Team here took charge. I ended up needing four units of blood transfused. I started to feel really grateful that we were at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.
"The doctors, anesthesiologists and nursing staff really saved my life. And thanks to the entire care team, including the Children’s Memorial Hospital pediatric hospitalists, I now I have Ethan and Emma (formerly Baby A and Baby B) to enjoy."