06/14/2026
It had already been an exceptionally busy night on our labor and delivery unit. After receiving report, I knew I would be assigned the next laboring patient. As I began making rounds and introducing myself to my patients, I heard my name screamed from down the hallway.
I stepped out of the room and saw our charge nurse frantically waving me toward the unit entrance while shouting my name.
As I ran down the hallway, the labor unit doors swung open. A paramedic rushed in pushing a stretcher while giving report:
"No menstrual cycle for two years. Testosterone therapy for two years. Abdominal pain began this morning. IV established in the right AC. Do you want another line?"
I was so confused, none of this made sense.
This was a labor unit. We cared for women having babies. Why was someone who appeared male being rushed onto our unit?
The obstetric hospitalist and I ran alongside the stretcher as the patient was rapidly assessed. Within moments, it became clear that this individual was not experiencing a gastrointestinal emergency or abdominal illness.
They were in labor.
A bedside ultrasound revealed a 30-week breech fetus. A cervical exam confirmed complete dilation with a breech presentation.
The obstetrician immediately called out:
"Prepare the OR."
I took the patient's hand and gently explained what we had discovered.
"You are pregnant. Your baby is coming, and because of the baby's position, we need to deliver by emergency cesarean section."
The patient was frightened and overwhelmed.
"Do I have to be awake?" they asked. "I don't want a baby."
I reassured them that we would keep them safe and comfortable, and preparations began immediately for general anesthesia.
From the moment the patient entered the hospitals ER until the birth of a healthy baby girl, only 17 minutes passed.
Despite being born prematurely, the infant did remarkably well. The birth parent openly shared their medical history, including testosterone therapy, and made the difficult decision to place the baby for adoption.
Several days later, I learned that the newborn had been adopted by a loving family who had remained by her side in the NICU around the clock.
Over the course of my career, I have participated in thousands of births across the United States. Yet this remains one of the most unforgettable.
Not because it was unusual.
Not because it challenged expectations.
But because it reminded me that labor and delivery nurses are often called into some of the most unexpected moments of people's lives. In those moments, our responsibility is always the same: provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based care to every patient who comes through our doors.
Some births follow a carefully written plan.
Others arrive without warning.
Both deserve dignity, compassion, and excellent care.
Jessica Frye, RN, BSN�Labor & Delivery Nurse
Mobile: (970)361-0201
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://cclnc.com
![Scary Fact:Peripartum Cardiomyopathy [PPCM] often goes unnoticed until symptoms escalate.PPCM occurs within the last mon...](https://img4.businesses10.com/905/299/1035407709052993.jpg)
