Srikakulam: GITAM medical student helps woman deliver baby on train; wins hearts

Srikakulam: Final year medical student K Swathi Reddy of Gitam Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMSR) helped a woman deliver a baby girl on board Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Duronto Express.

The 28-year-old pregnant woman, a native of Srikakulam, went into labor when she was traveling from Hyderabad along with her husband and family members. When the train reached Annavaram at 3.30 am, she developed labor pains. Her family members were going from one compartment to another for help. K Swathi Reddy from Narasraopeta, who was in the same compartment, rushed to help the woman.

The baby was born at 5.35 am. However, it took about an hour to find a hospital, as there were no stations between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. A 108 ambulance was kept ready at Anakapalle station. The mother and baby with the help of Swathi were shifted to NTR Hospital. Later the baby was held in an incubator.

First delivery for Swathi

This is the first delivery for Swathi, without any help from the doctors. "I used to assist professors in the hospital. But I was worried as it was my first delivery. I was tense until the baby was born. Though the delivery was premature, the mother and baby are doing fine," said Swathi.

Teamwork

Passengers in the compartment provided all possible support for unique delivery. Soon after the woman entered labor, the passengers helped convert the area into a makeshift delivery room. Soon after the delivery, the baby has to be kept warm. As it was an AC coach, the passengers gave their blankets to wrap the child and keep her warm.