American in labor faces American hurricane for delivery

A 22-year-old woman from Melbourne, 110 kilometers from Orlando, Florida (USA), went into labor and had to rush to the hospital amid strong winds and flooding caused by Hurricane Ian. Despite the stress and anxiety, their daughter Wajiha was born healthy, weighing 3.26 kilograms and measuring 50.8 centimeters.

Hannah-Kay Williams began experiencing contractions on the night of September 27, when the area where she lives was already experiencing the first signs of a tornado that would bring strong winds and heavy rain.

The mother was known to be in labour. So she, her fiancé, and her mother drove through fallen trees and flooded streets and driveways to Health First Homes Regional Medical Center.

“We decided to go to the hospital at 2 in the morning because the contractions really started,” Hannah-Kay told ABC News. “I tried to control my breathing because the car was shaking in the wind and the rain was strong, but my fiance is a great driver so I knew I was in great hands.”

They arrived at the hospital early on the morning of the 28th, but she did not give birth soon. Hannah-Kay had already been in labor for more than 20 hours until Hurricane Ian brought heavy rain and 40 mph winds across the central part of the state.

The doctors decided that an emergency cesarean was necessary because the mother was not fully dilated, and if the baby’s heart rate changed before or during labor, or if there were signs of oxygen deprivation, an emergency cesarean was necessary.

“It was clear that my dilation was not enough and a natural birth was not possible,” said the mother. “It was a little disappointing because I was preparing for a natural birth, but I knew a C-section was best for me and my baby.”

Thanks to all the medical attention, Hannah-K gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Wajiha. The name chosen by the bridegroom means “beautiful girl” and “illustrious”.

“I give all the credit to my future husband,” she said of the baby’s name. We embark on a journey to find the most unique name. He chose. Today, when we look at her and call her name, we know it’s the right choice.”