CAPE TOWN – When a patient walked into the Delft Midwife Obstetric Unit (MOU) in labour, no one knew she was carrying twins.

The midwifery team received and assessed her promptly. But during the examination, staff noticed that her abdominal measurements were larger than expected. An urgent ultrasound confirmed what they suspected — she was expecting twins. This made the pregnancy a high-risk case, and a referral to Tygerberg Hospital was arranged without delay.

Before the transfer could take place, however, labour progressed quickly. The team had to act fast.

With the support of a trauma doctor, the midwifery team delivered both babies at the facility. The first boy arrived weighing 2.3 kg and needed immediate help with breathing. His brother followed shortly afterwards, weighing a healthy 2.9 kg. Both babies received the care they needed on the spot, with the eldest requiring stabilisation.

Mom and her two newborn boys were then transferred to Karl Bremer Hospital for further monitoring and treatment. She also received care for high blood pressure.

Responsive care

“This case demonstrates how responsive, patient-centred care and effective teamwork contribute to positive health outcomes. The team recognised the risks early, initiated the appropriate referral, and ensured continuity of care when circumstances required immediate intervention,” says Mubashir Nabie, Facility Manager of Delft CHC.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has since praised the Delft MOU team for their professionalism and dedication to safe maternal and newborn care — a reminder of just how vital well-functioning referral pathways between local clinics and hospitals truly are.

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