Health

Doctor goes into labour while delivering patient’s baby

PHOTO: Dr. Emily Jacobs, 28, an OB/GYN resident at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, gave birth hours after delivering another patient's baby. Seen in this photo is Emily Jacobs, her husband ryan Jacobs, 28 and her son, Jett, now 1 month old. (Emily Jacobs )

A 28-year-old pregnant doctor unexpectedly went into early labour while delivering another woman’s child.

Emily Jacobs, an OB-GYN resident at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, welcomed a baby boy, Jett Jacobs.

Jacobs told the ABC News that she thought the amniotic fluid she noticed during the delivery was that of the patient.

She said, “I noticed what I thought was amniotic fluid of the patient as the baby was delivering.

“It wasn’t until I left the room when I realized that it was my water that had broken.

“I was freaking out a little bit because we were still seeing patients and [my supervisor] just kind of smiled and told me to go back in one of the triage rooms and wait for her to confirm that it was my water.”

Keely Ulmer, Jacobs’ colleague,  mentioned that she was surprised Jacobs had gone into labour a month earlier, adding that it was a pleasure helping her with the delivery.

Ulmer who is also 28 years old said, “I happened to be on Labour and Delivery, so it was a pretty special experience to share with a special classmate.

“She did a wonderful job and her husband was very supportive. I am grateful to be part of the experience.”

A first-time mom, Jacobs believes her unique birth story has made her a better doctor who is “more understanding” of her expectant patients, she said.

“It’s definitely made me more empathetic and more aware of what it’s like going through some pregnancy complications.

“People will come in [who are] in preterm labour often … very worried about the health of their baby and health of themselves. Until [I went] through it, I can definitely appreciate just how worried and nervous you get.”

The baby is now 7-weeks-old, at home and doing well.