A 32-year-old pregnant woman allegedly cut open her own abdomen with a kitchen knife during labor at her home in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday afternoon, after she could not bear the pain. She was later taken to a government health facility where doctors delivered a healthy baby girl.
The woman, identified as Nankai from Nandwal village under Baundi police station limits, is currently in critical condition and undergoing treatment at a higher medical center in Lucknow.
According to police and local residents, Nankai went into labor while alone at home. Her husband, Badkau, had died of illness around six months earlier, and her children were not present at the time.
Unable to tolerate the labor pain, she allegedly used a vegetable-cutting knife and inflicted a deep cut on her abdomen.
Neighbors rushed to the house after hearing her screams and found her severely injured and bleeding. They immediately informed emergency services and transported her to the Fakharpur Community Health Centre.
Doctors at the community health center conducted an emergency delivery and a baby girl was born alive and stable.
The newborn was later shifted to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the district hospital for observation. Medical staff confirmed the infant’s condition remained stable.
However, the mother suffered severe abdominal trauma and heavy blood loss due to the self-inflicted wound.
After initial stabilization, doctors referred her to the district hospital and subsequently to a higher center for advanced treatment, including the trauma facility at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow.
Doctors stated the injury was deep and caused by a sharp kitchen knife, requiring specialized surgical care. Her mother, Neeta, accompanied her during transfer while arrangements were made for the newborn’s care.
Police confirmed the incident and said no external assault was suspected based on preliminary information. Authorities recorded statements and initiated routine inquiry procedures.
Residents of the village expressed shock at the incident as doctors continue treatment and monitoring of the woman’s condition.
(Rh/ARC)