Be mother It is a deeply transformative experience that combines intense emotions: the joy of giving life and fear that, even with planned delivery, unexpected complications may arise at the last moment.
In Guatemala, this experience is shared daily by dozens of women who come to Gineco Obstetrics Hospital of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS)one of the most important maternal care centers.
Only between January and April 2025, this hospital attended 3,518 birthswhich is equivalent to an average 30 daily births. This figure reflects not only high demand, but also the relevance of medical accompaniment during this crucial stage.
Normal and caesarean section: times, challenges and emotions
According to the Stanford University School of Medicinethe Natural labor It usually lasts on average 10 hourswhile a Caesarean section It can extend between 30 minutes and one houraccording to him La Zarzuela University Hospital.
Although times vary, the truth is that the success of any birth requires much more than advanced technology and medical knowledge.
The precise coordination of the health team is fundamental, but the Mother’s physical and emotional strengthwho faces one of the most demanding and transcendental moments of his life.
Its ability to endurancehis Baby connection and your disposition to face pain And uncertainty are elements Key to achieve childbirth.
Joint work between patients and a multidisciplinary team, composed of Neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, psychologists, physiatrists and other specialists, It is key to guaranteeing comprehensive care that the mother and the newborn will receive.
Firstly mothers: between illusion and uncertainty
The final stage of pregnancy can be especially difficult for first -time motherswho often face the process with fear and ignorance.
Some arrive at the hospital with the hope of a Quiet deliverybut they must face unexpected situations, such as the premature birth of their babies.
The doctor Lorena ÁlvarezChief of the Medical Service in the IGSS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, he says that many women should leave their hospitalized newborns, far from the arms in which they dreamed of having them from the first moment. This contrast between expectation and reality can generate a deep emotional load.
Stories of courage, faith and hope
Touring the Salas of the IGSS Obstetrics Hospital is to listen to stories of courage, faith and hope. In each of the, more or less, ten beds of the recovery rooms, a mother relives the time to give birth. In their arms, babies of just a few centimeters and few pounds symbolize the beginning of a new life outside the belly.
The joy of having the son in his armsdespite physical fatigue or fear lived, it usually overcome any difficulty. The accompaniment of loved ones and the medical team allows pain to transform into a memory that, over time, many women describe as one of the most significant in their lives.
Births at the Gyneco Obstetrics Hospital of the IGSS (January – April 2025)
| Type of childbirth | Number of births |
| Natural births | 1,035 |
| Caesarean sections | 2,438 |
| Twin births | 44 |
| Multiple births | 1 |
| Total deliveries from January to April 2025 | 3518 |
In an average year, the IGSS Obstetrics Gineco Hospital offers around 100 thousand medical consultationsattending to specialized under, medium and high risk clinics.
In addition, it provides services in areas of Psychology, Psychiatry, Nutrition and Dentistrywhich is part of the Comprehensive care directed to affiliates, beneficiaries and beneficiaries of the IGSS.