Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital reported on May 4 that a rapid emergency response known as a Maternal Code helped save the lives of Ariana Del Valle and her newborn son after a life-threatening complication during pregnancy.
The event highlights the importance of specialized emergency protocols for pregnant or postpartum patients, which are not universally implemented in all hospitals. Del Valle, who was twenty-nine weeks pregnant and diagnosed with placenta previa, began bleeding heavily at home. Paramedics alerted the hospital en route, triggering the Maternal Code.
“The moment I sat up, I almost passed out. My blood pressure dropped, I felt hot, sick and nauseous — like my body was starting to shut down,” Del Valle said. “I was so sick and worried about my baby.”
Alexander Lin, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital said: “This is exactly why we train. When something rare and catastrophic happens, you don’t have time to figure things out in the moment. Because we had practiced, everyone knew their role and we were able to act immediately for the best possible outcome.” Within eight minutes of arrival at the hospital on January 11, Del Valle underwent an emergency cesarean section due to active hemorrhaging from placenta previa. Her son Levi was delivered at just over 29 weeks gestation.
“Within minutes, I was surrounded by a big team of people,” Del Valle said about her arrival. “Everybody had a job. Everybody was getting it done. I was terrified, but everything was moving so fast.”
Both mother and baby survived following coordinated action by obstetricians, emergency medicine physicians, anesthesiologists and neonatology specialists assembled under the Maternal Code protocol.
“Obstetric emergencies are different,” Lin said. “You’re caring for two patients at once, and things can change in seconds. The Maternal Code brings the right expertise to the bedside without delay.” He added: “All of that preparation paid off... This was the first time we used the Maternal Code in such a truly life-threatening situation.”
After delivery Levi spent 85 days in neonatal intensive care before going home on April 6 with his family; both he and his mother are now recovering well alongside siblings Lucia (age four) and Noah (age three). "I feel very blessed that my son is well, I'm well, and we're alive," Del Valle said.
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital offers round-the-clock neonatology services while following evidence-based protocols used across its health system network according to its official website. Howard B. Chrisman holds the role of president and chief executive officer for Northwestern Medicine according to its official website.
As Mother’s Day approaches Del Valle hopes her story emphasizes maternal emergency preparedness: "I wish I could thank every single person who helped me," she said.
