---
title: "New Mom Battles COVID-19 Just After Giving Birth to Son | Sutter Health"
description: "At 36 weeks pregnant, Linda Luong tested positive for COVID-19, delivered by emergency C-section, then fell unconscious, fighting to reunite with her newborn."
url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/mom-gives-birth-fights-for-her-own-life-after-covid-19-diagnosis"
---

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# Mom Gives Birth, Fights for Own Life After Diagnosis

At 36 weeks pregnant, Linda Luong tested positive for COVID-19, delivered by emergency C-section, then fell unconscious, fighting to reunite with her newborn.

March 14, 2021 by Liz Madison

Like any first-time mom, Linda Luong felt a mix of emotions around giving birth. Excitement, hope, nervousness. All of these feelings are normal for any new parent. She, however, had the misfortune of planning her baby’s arrival in the middle of a pandemic. And if matters couldn’t become more surreal, she tested positive herself for the COVID-19 virus.

On Nov. 25, 2020, at 36 weeks pregnant, Luong started to feel especially sick. She and her husband, Sam Saeturn, dashed to the emergency department as her symptoms grew worse. She was admitted to Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento where her journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn.

The next day—on Thanksgiving—clinicians performed an emergency cesarean section, and baby boy River entered the world. Luong witnessed the delivery of her son, but she could not hold him due to her diagnosis. Soon thereafter, her condition deteriorated. She slipped into unconsciousness and couldn’t breathe on her own.

“Honestly, I thought I was going to lose Linda and I was going to be a single father,” Saeturn said.

See more of Luong’s fight to survive and reunite with her husband and newborn during unimaginable circumstances.

## Topics

[Labor and delivery](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Labor+and+delivery%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Pregnancy](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Pregnancy%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)

## Pregnancy and childbirth

Bringing new life into the world is a meaningful milestone for your family. If you're expecting a baby, our obstetrics team can provide expert prenatal care, delivery support and a reassuring experience through birth.

[Learn more about Pregnancy and childbirth](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pregnancy-and-childbirth)

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### [Sutter Hospitals Recognized for Excellence in Maternity Care](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutter-hospitals-recognized-for-excellence-in-maternity-care)

### [Sutter Health Honored for Safe, Equitable Pregnancy Care](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/sutter-health-honored-for-safe-equitable-pregnancy-care)

### [What’s In A Name? This Doc’s Approach to Patient Care](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/whats-in-a-name-this-docs-approach-to-patient-care)

[See all from Patient stories](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories)

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