
It is the patience, intelligence and dedication of a doctor that comes to a patient’s rescue in situations that seem fatal and complex. Proving the same was case of a couple who could conceive 6 years after marriage that too after treatment of infertility. Reminiscing the same, Dr Mrs Sumeet Baheti told us, “Everything was fine until, two and half months of pregnancy where the lady started having tinnitus and facial palsy (ringing in ears and deviation of mouth). Evaluation for the same was initiated. MRI Brain showed right cerebellopontine angle schwannoma 2.5 x 3.1 x 2.2 cm involving the 7th and 8th nerve complex. Which we call brain tumor in general context. She was advised termination of pregnancy and excision of brain tumor. It took detailed discussion with neurosurgeon about the nature of mass, risk of progression and then subsequent counselling of the relatives about the calculated risks of continuing the pregnancy. Considering it was precious pregnancy after prolonged infertility treatment, the couple and team decided to continue the pregnancy and defer surgery till second trimester, which is the safer period for any procedure during pregnancy. Fortunately, she had no worsening of her symptoms. So on follow up, it was decided to continue with pregnancy and surgery in second trimester was deferred. It was decided that if any worsening of neurological symptoms occur, then her surgery for brain tumor will be planned immediately. She was kept under close observation for maternal and fetal well-being. She continued to have tinnitus and facial palsy throughout the pregnancy. She developed gestational diabetes at 28 weeks of pregnancy and was started and continued on insulin in consultation with endocrinologist. The patience of the team, regular references and constant check on her led to good news. The lady delivered a full-term healthy baby boy weighing 3.3 kg. It didn’t stop there, she was still closely monitored during the peripartum period. Only after absolute confirmation, the mother and baby were discharged in stable condition. “Now, the baby is 3 months old and she is planning for brain tumor surgery,” Dr. Sumeet Baheti concluded.
