How OBGYNs can assist in the prenatal care and delivery of western lowland gorillas

Authors

  • Mary E. Beste Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
  • Amber Armstrong Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
  • Martha Weber Department of Veterinary Medicine, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, SC USA
  • James W. Cook Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA, Office of Curricular Affairs, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Columbia, SC USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20205793

Keywords:

Gorilla, Prenatal, Breech

Abstract

Prenatal care and perinatal planning are paramount for successful delivery outcomes in human pregnancies and has been shown to be equally as important with non-human primates. The authors describe two pregnancies and deliveries of a 12-year-old primigravid western lowland gorilla, Macy. Macy’s first pregnancy resulted in a stillbirth and was complicated by breech positioning, while her second pregnancy resulted in a viable infant. This case report outlines the prenatal care Macy received in her pregnancies and highlights the importance of ultrasound for dating and fetal evaluation. The authors discuss options for breech positioning and considerations for cesarean section. This article showcases how obstetricians and veterinarians can implement human obstetrical recommendations with non-human primates to improve delivery outcomes.  

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Published

2020-12-26

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Section

Case Reports