123 Kolkata: A 35-year-old woman who survived cancer as a child gave birth to a girl at a city private hospital on April 30. While doctors termed the case as extremely rare, they also pointed out that it is a ‘remarkable story of resilience and medical triumph' over a terminal illness that could serve as an inspiration for those affected by cancer at a young age.Even though most cancer survivors become pregnant through IVF, the woman conceived naturally and delivered the child.Poulami Ghosh, a resident of Jadavpur, overcame ovarian cancer at the age of eight. She was referred to Manipal Hospital at 30 weeks of pregnancy with severe upper abdominal pain and a preliminary diagnosis of perforated appendix and appendicular lump. She was initially admitted to another facility and was referred to a multispecialty setup for urgent delivery and possible surgery. On admission to Manipal Hospital, she was treated with IV antibiotics under Sanjoy Mandal, consultant – gastro-intestinal surgeon.An MRI revealed a normal appendix, allowing the team to pursue conservative management.Her pregnancy was closely monitored by obstetrician Biswajyoti Guha. "This was a highly complex pregnancy—not only because of the suspected surgical emergency—but also due to her rare medical history and the later development of severe obstetric cholestasis. Her liver function was carefully managed with medication. What makes this case truly extraordinary is Poulomi's medical history," said Guha.At just eight, she was diagnosed with a germ cell tumour in one of her ovaries. The affected ovary was surgically removed, followed by chemotherapy. "Despite the long odds, she conceived naturally without any fertility assistance. We were happy to see her condition stabilise prior to delivery. At term, she delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 2.8 kg. This successful natural pregnancy after childhood ovarian cancer is extremely rare. Most survivors with similar histories typically require IVF to conceive. At Manipal Hospital, this is the third such case we have seen, but the first involving natural conception," added Guha.Poulami was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst in her left ovary in 1999. Following surgery, the cyst was found to be malignant. "I underwent chemotherapy and was under medical supervision for the next two years. Ever since, becoming a mother was a distant dream for me. In 2024, that dream came true when I conceived naturally. However, my joy was short-lived as I was soon diagnosed with a perforated appendix and an appendicular lump. Under the expert care of Guha and the support of the team at the hospital, I safely delivered my baby in the 38th week of pregnancy," said Poulami.