Inside the World of 'Obstetric Avengers': A Day with High-Risk Pregnancy Specialists

On TV CHOSUN's 'Our Baby is Born', the 'Soonpoong Duo' Park Soo-hong and Yang Se-hyung shadowed the 'Obstetric Avengers' to witness the dedication of medical professionals to expectant mothers. Former KBS announcer and now freelancer Lee Jung-min shared her personal journey of undergoing ten IVF treatments and experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. Park Soo-hong, who also became a father through IVF, empathized deeply with the mothers' struggles, shedding tears.

The episode aired on the 13th featured Lee Jung-min, a mother of two, as a special guest. While her first child was conceived naturally, her second child was born after a challenging journey of ten IVF attempts over 6-7 years, culminating in a cesarean delivery after seven hours of labor. The 'Soonpoong Duo' visited a high-risk pregnancy and neonatal care center, where Lee Jung-min remarked, "I almost became a high-risk mother myself due to my age."

The hospital they visited was previously featured on 'Our Baby is Born' for capturing the dramatic birth of triplets. Park Soo-hong and Yang Se-hyung met the 'Obstetric Avengers' team, including Professors Bae Jin-gon, Lee Ki-soo, Nam Seung-hyeop, and Park Sung-eun. Led by 'Captain' Bae Jin-gon, who has overseen over 10,000 deliveries, the team has maintained a 0% maternal mortality rate for 6-7 years, truly a 'dream team' in obstetrics. Park Soo-hong joined Professor Nam Seung-hyeop on rounds.

One expectant mother was carrying twins in a rare 'monochorionic monoamniotic' case, where the twins share the same amniotic sac. Obstetrician Kim Ji-yeon noted, "I've never seen this in practice, only in textbooks," highlighting its rarity. Such cases pose significant risks, requiring daily ultrasounds to monitor the fetuses. Despite the high-risk situation, Professor Nam Seung-hyeop calmly stated, "Providing reassurance is also part of a doctor's role," earning Park Soo-hong's admiration for his mental care. During rounds, stories of high-risk mothers, including one who conceived after ten IVF attempts following a miscarriage, and another facing cervical cerclage with low platelet counts, were shared. Park Soo-hong, moved by these stories, offered warm encouragement, understanding their desperation from his own IVF experiences.

'Dad Wannabe' Yang Se-hyung followed 'Captain' Bae Jin-gon throughout the day, witnessing the intense atmosphere inside and outside the operating room. The first surgery involved a mother at risk of excessive bleeding due to abnormal blood vessels following an ectopic pregnancy after her second child. Lee Jung-min, having experienced an ectopic pregnancy herself, watched the cesarean section with deep empathy. As the surgery concluded successfully, another mother arrived for her procedure. Professor Bae Jin-gon remarked, "Cesarean sections can involve significant blood loss, requiring quick thinking and constant vigilance." Despite being exhausted from a complex cesarean involving uterine fibroids, Professors Bae Jin-gon and Lee Ki-soo continued to attend to other patients without pause. Professor Lee Ki-soo praised Captain Bae's meticulous attention to detail, saying, "He advises like a brother and a mentor, making me reflect on my approach to life." The 'Obstetric Avengers' demonstrated their genuine commitment to mothers, leaving a lasting impression.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr