Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation
ECMO stands for a treatment that uses a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream of a very ill baby. This system provides heart-lung bypass support outside of the baby’s body.
WHY IS ECMO USED?
ECMO is used in infants who are extremely ill due to breathing or heart problems. The purpose of ECMO is to provide enough oxygen to the baby while allowing time for the lungs and heart to rest or heal.
The most common conditions that may require ECMO are:
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)
Heart malformations
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)
Pneumonia
Severe air leak problems
Severe pulmonary hypertension
It may also be used during the recovery period after heart surgery.
HOW IS A BABY PLACED ON ECMO?
Starting ECMO requires a large team of caregivers to stabilize the baby, as well as the careful set-up and priming of the ECMO pump with fluid and blood. Surgery is performed to attach the ECMO pump to the baby through catheters that are placed into large blood vessels in the baby's neck.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF ECMO?
First, because babies who are considered for ECMO are very ill, they are at high risk for long-term problems, including death. In addition to the already high-risk situation, once the baby is placed on ECMO, additional risks include:
Bleeding
Blood clot formation
Infection
Transfusion problems
Rarely, the pump can have mechanical problems (tube breaks, pump stops), which can harm the baby.
However, most babies who need ECMO would probably die if it were not used.
For more information: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007234.htm
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What is polyhydramnios?
Polyhydramnios: Too Much Amniotic Fluid
When a woman has polyhydramnios, the level of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is too high.
What You Need to Know About Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) occurs in about 2 out of 100 of pregnancies. Most cases are mild and result from a slow buildup of excess fluid in the second half of pregnancy. But in a few cases, fluid builds up as early as the 16th week of pregnancy. This usually leads to very early delivery.
Polyhydramnios is diagnosed with ultrasound. Medical experts do not fully understand what causes this condition. In 2 out 3 cases, the cause is not known. Here are two of the best-known causes:
Birth defects in the baby that affect the ability to swallow. Normally, when the fetus swallows, the level of amniotic fluid goes down a bit. This helps to balance out the increase in fluid caused by fetal urination.
Heart defects in the baby.
For more information: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_1044.asp
When a woman has polyhydramnios, the level of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby is too high.
What You Need to Know About Polyhydramnios
Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) occurs in about 2 out of 100 of pregnancies. Most cases are mild and result from a slow buildup of excess fluid in the second half of pregnancy. But in a few cases, fluid builds up as early as the 16th week of pregnancy. This usually leads to very early delivery.
Polyhydramnios is diagnosed with ultrasound. Medical experts do not fully understand what causes this condition. In 2 out 3 cases, the cause is not known. Here are two of the best-known causes:
Birth defects in the baby that affect the ability to swallow. Normally, when the fetus swallows, the level of amniotic fluid goes down a bit. This helps to balance out the increase in fluid caused by fetal urination.
Heart defects in the baby.
For more information: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_1044.asp
My baby and me.
By now they had found a combination of drugs to fight my depression. I was talking Effexor and something else I no longer recall. So I went from not sleeping and crying all the time, to not crying all the time. It might not sound like much but it was a huge improvement. I use to call it the "no more tears pills".
I was huge because of the polyhydramnios. I use to get in the walk-in shower and sit in the corner with the water falling down on me. It is there that I pondered what to do. I struggled to find answers to the doctors most important question; how much did I want them to do.
Sometimes I just cried in that corner. Other times I laughed. My baby moved a lot and he seemed to really like the water. The movement would make me laugh. I talked to him. I knew this time was all I would have with him so I had to make the best of it. With my other children by this time I was miserable and wonder why I had to be the woman. Why couldn't men give birth and go through this :-)? I complained like most women. With this pregnancy I cherished everyday I stayed pregnant.
The polyhydramnios was good and bad. I was huge and had problems because of it but at the same time all the water allowed my baby to be active up until his birth. This was a good thing, to me.
I was huge because of the polyhydramnios. I use to get in the walk-in shower and sit in the corner with the water falling down on me. It is there that I pondered what to do. I struggled to find answers to the doctors most important question; how much did I want them to do.
Sometimes I just cried in that corner. Other times I laughed. My baby moved a lot and he seemed to really like the water. The movement would make me laugh. I talked to him. I knew this time was all I would have with him so I had to make the best of it. With my other children by this time I was miserable and wonder why I had to be the woman. Why couldn't men give birth and go through this :-)? I complained like most women. With this pregnancy I cherished everyday I stayed pregnant.
The polyhydramnios was good and bad. I was huge and had problems because of it but at the same time all the water allowed my baby to be active up until his birth. This was a good thing, to me.
Doctors, Doctors, Doctors
When I joined CHERUBS I will never forget this posting from a woman. She said, "My doctor told me if I did not terminate he would not be my doctor." What followed were other woman claiming the same thing. One doctor was a woman. I could not even imagine a doctor telling me that. My thoughts went to Dr G. and how different my experience was. I felt so bad for these women and so fortunate to have gotten Dr. G.
True to his promise, Dr G. lined up all sort of specialist. We spoke to pediatric surgeons, cardiologist, pulmonologist, neonatologist, and on and on. Everyone was very honest and told us what they could or could not do depending on the situation when he was born. It was such a relief to know exactly what to expect.
We were told about ECMO which they had at our hospital. They explained about possible surgery to repair the hernia. When it was done and when it wasn't. They spoke about doing too much and that only we could decide what was enough. They are doctors and it is their mission to save lives but they would not put our baby through unless operations etc. unless that's what we wanted
Who would have thought their were so many decision to make when you expect your baby to die.
True to his promise, Dr G. lined up all sort of specialist. We spoke to pediatric surgeons, cardiologist, pulmonologist, neonatologist, and on and on. Everyone was very honest and told us what they could or could not do depending on the situation when he was born. It was such a relief to know exactly what to expect.
We were told about ECMO which they had at our hospital. They explained about possible surgery to repair the hernia. When it was done and when it wasn't. They spoke about doing too much and that only we could decide what was enough. They are doctors and it is their mission to save lives but they would not put our baby through unless operations etc. unless that's what we wanted
Who would have thought their were so many decision to make when you expect your baby to die.
To terminate or not to terminate, part III. The declaration.
One or two Tuesday's later Dr G gave me more bad news. My baby had a heart defect. They were not sure exactly what it was yet and needed to wait till his heart was a little bigger.
For the third and last time he told me I could terminate. Once again, I did not answer. He asked me if I was making this choice because my baby was expected to die. I told him honestly, I did not know.
Before I left he said something like this to me, "I have had three other women go through this with different problems but the outcome was the same. One of them was very religious and trusted God would make everything better, she was the worse off when her baby died. Another woman refused to acknowledge it was happening, she did not fair very well. The last woman wanted to do everything, she went overboard and nothing she did changed the outcome. She did not do very well either."
Dr G told me he believed in faith and invited us to his church if we did not have one. He also told me we would do U/S weekly until they added no value. To that he added, "since you will continue with the pregnancy I will setup consults with other doctors to answer any questions you have about your baby's conditions".
My parents were staying with me because my Dad underwent open heart surgery. He was very sick and stayed for 5 months. Trying to hide the situation was very difficult so my husband and I decided to go to the coast for the week-end so we could talk.
The drive to the coast is two hours and I don't recall talking at all. I did spend the entire time thinking of what I should do. The next morning I was sitting on the bed in the hotel and we were talking. I said, "I know how much you hate it when I talk about woman's rights but this is going to be one of those times." I have a choice to make and you have one too. My choice and only mine is to terminate or not and I will not terminate. My baby might die but it will not be at my hands. It's your choice to make, whether or not you will stay. No hard feeling because I understand." He was really mad at me and went on and on about fairness and why did what he want, not count. He did not want to raise a handicapped child. He felt we should make the choice together and not doing so was selfish. Well, he was right but the one thing that would not change was that it was my body and I alone was going to make the choice because I alone would have to deal with the emotional consequences.
After my declaration we went to the beach. Ironically to the left of the spot we chose there was an older couple with a son that obviously had Trisomy 21. I said, "let's go talk to them but he said to me, you go talk if you want to, I have nothing to say." He was still mad at me but in retrospect I think part of it was deep down he felt I was right.
I went to talk to the woman. The man was busy with a book and I know what that's like. I told her I was carry a baby with trisomy 21 and was wondering about her son. She told me he was low functioning and mostly just banged his head on the sand but he liked the beach, I had the impression she had no regrets. When I got back, he said to me, "they look miserable". I disagreed but he was just trying to pick a fight so I went silent. Our day at the beach was over.
I neglected to mention when my amnio came back it was positive for Trisomy 21. The earlier FISH test has a higher rate of being wrong.
For the third and last time he told me I could terminate. Once again, I did not answer. He asked me if I was making this choice because my baby was expected to die. I told him honestly, I did not know.
Before I left he said something like this to me, "I have had three other women go through this with different problems but the outcome was the same. One of them was very religious and trusted God would make everything better, she was the worse off when her baby died. Another woman refused to acknowledge it was happening, she did not fair very well. The last woman wanted to do everything, she went overboard and nothing she did changed the outcome. She did not do very well either."
Dr G told me he believed in faith and invited us to his church if we did not have one. He also told me we would do U/S weekly until they added no value. To that he added, "since you will continue with the pregnancy I will setup consults with other doctors to answer any questions you have about your baby's conditions".
My parents were staying with me because my Dad underwent open heart surgery. He was very sick and stayed for 5 months. Trying to hide the situation was very difficult so my husband and I decided to go to the coast for the week-end so we could talk.
The drive to the coast is two hours and I don't recall talking at all. I did spend the entire time thinking of what I should do. The next morning I was sitting on the bed in the hotel and we were talking. I said, "I know how much you hate it when I talk about woman's rights but this is going to be one of those times." I have a choice to make and you have one too. My choice and only mine is to terminate or not and I will not terminate. My baby might die but it will not be at my hands. It's your choice to make, whether or not you will stay. No hard feeling because I understand." He was really mad at me and went on and on about fairness and why did what he want, not count. He did not want to raise a handicapped child. He felt we should make the choice together and not doing so was selfish. Well, he was right but the one thing that would not change was that it was my body and I alone was going to make the choice because I alone would have to deal with the emotional consequences.
After my declaration we went to the beach. Ironically to the left of the spot we chose there was an older couple with a son that obviously had Trisomy 21. I said, "let's go talk to them but he said to me, you go talk if you want to, I have nothing to say." He was still mad at me but in retrospect I think part of it was deep down he felt I was right.
I went to talk to the woman. The man was busy with a book and I know what that's like. I told her I was carry a baby with trisomy 21 and was wondering about her son. She told me he was low functioning and mostly just banged his head on the sand but he liked the beach, I had the impression she had no regrets. When I got back, he said to me, "they look miserable". I disagreed but he was just trying to pick a fight so I went silent. Our day at the beach was over.
I neglected to mention when my amnio came back it was positive for Trisomy 21. The earlier FISH test has a higher rate of being wrong.
To terminate or not to terminate, part II. Late term abortion.
The next shock was getting the amnio results back. I was told my baby had Trisomy 21. The FISH test had produced a negative on Trisomy 21. The FISH test is not 100%, the amnio is really the definitive test and it was positive. Now what?
So once again, Dr G told me I could get a late abortion. And once again, I said nothing. He said they could not do it but there was a place in Kansas.
The man in my life wanted me to terminate. At least that's what he thought at the time.
When I got home I looked up late term abortions out of curiosity. Before I continue, let me say that I am pro-choice. I think every woman should be able to make the right choice for her at any given time. Early abortions are something very different from a late term abortion. You don't look pregnant and usually you do not feel pregnant. Circumstances may make the choice for you. I do not advocate abortions as birth control. Being pregnant, giving birth or not giving birth is a life changing experience for every woman. and it should be considered carefully.
So back to the late term abortions. They are indicated in situations like mine. I read about the procedure and here is what stuck in my mind. They would induce me and then use something to take the baby out piece by piece. I was so revolted I never even considered looking into it further.
My baby was moving and I could feel him, I looked very pregnant since it started as a twin pregnancy. I could not, would not, kill my child. I did believe he would die, it just wouldn't be my choice.
That does not mean it is not right for some women. We are all different. For some, carrying a baby to term that will most certainly die is too hard. The Mother must be considered. What is the point of carrying to term if the Mother does not survive emotionally? For others, like me, I would not survive if I terminated. Both choices are right. My choice was my survival.
So once again, Dr G told me I could get a late abortion. And once again, I said nothing. He said they could not do it but there was a place in Kansas.
The man in my life wanted me to terminate. At least that's what he thought at the time.
When I got home I looked up late term abortions out of curiosity. Before I continue, let me say that I am pro-choice. I think every woman should be able to make the right choice for her at any given time. Early abortions are something very different from a late term abortion. You don't look pregnant and usually you do not feel pregnant. Circumstances may make the choice for you. I do not advocate abortions as birth control. Being pregnant, giving birth or not giving birth is a life changing experience for every woman. and it should be considered carefully.
So back to the late term abortions. They are indicated in situations like mine. I read about the procedure and here is what stuck in my mind. They would induce me and then use something to take the baby out piece by piece. I was so revolted I never even considered looking into it further.
My baby was moving and I could feel him, I looked very pregnant since it started as a twin pregnancy. I could not, would not, kill my child. I did believe he would die, it just wouldn't be my choice.
That does not mean it is not right for some women. We are all different. For some, carrying a baby to term that will most certainly die is too hard. The Mother must be considered. What is the point of carrying to term if the Mother does not survive emotionally? For others, like me, I would not survive if I terminated. Both choices are right. My choice was my survival.
To terminate or not to terminate, part I
After the Diaphragmatic Hernia was found I was told my baby would not live. Dr G would not commit to 100%. He said, as a young Doctor he had made that statement once and someone proved him wrong. That was the only reason he would not say 100%.
Miracles do happen!
We knew now my baby did not have fetal hydrops so no one was so sure anymore that I would miscarry any time soon. Dr G told me that under the circumstances I could terminate even though I was way past 12 weeks. I did not say one word. After an awkward silence he said, "no matter what you decide I will be your doctor." At that time I had no idea how powerful those words were.
When you talk to a genetic counselor it's very easy to decide to terminate should your baby have any number of health issues because you are not really in that situation. I had talked about it and decided I would if something was wrong that would affect the quality of life of my baby. Boy was I in for some big shocks.
Never under estimate the power of a Mother's love.
Miracles do happen!
We knew now my baby did not have fetal hydrops so no one was so sure anymore that I would miscarry any time soon. Dr G told me that under the circumstances I could terminate even though I was way past 12 weeks. I did not say one word. After an awkward silence he said, "no matter what you decide I will be your doctor." At that time I had no idea how powerful those words were.
When you talk to a genetic counselor it's very easy to decide to terminate should your baby have any number of health issues because you are not really in that situation. I had talked about it and decided I would if something was wrong that would affect the quality of life of my baby. Boy was I in for some big shocks.
Never under estimate the power of a Mother's love.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What is a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia?
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site476/mainpageS476P0.html
http://www.cdhsupport.org/cdh/overview.php
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001135.htm
Ironically when I was pregnant the survival rate for CDH was 20% and now it is 80%. Many advances have been made like exit to ECMO and fetal surgery. The one thing that has not changed, there is no cure and no one knows why it happens.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly (stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest cavity near the lungs.
Causes
A diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung tissue on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely develop.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is seen in 1 out of every 2,200 to 5,000 live births. Most affect the left side. Having a parent or sibling with the condition slightly increases your risk.
Symptoms
Severe breathing difficulty usually develops shortly after the baby is born, because of ineffective movement of the diaphragm and crowding of the lung tissue, which causes collapse. The reason why this occurs is not known.
Other symptoms include:
Bluish colored skin due to lack of oxygen
Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
Exams and Tests
The pregnant mother may have excessive amounts of amniotic fluid. Fetal ultrasound may show abdominal contents in the chest cavity.
Examination of the infant shows:
Irregular chest movements
Absent breath sounds on affected side
Bowel sounds heard in the chest
Abdomen feels less full on examination by touch (palpation)
A chest x-ray may show abdominal organs in chest cavity.
Treatment
A diaphragmatic hernia is an emergency that requires surgery. Surgery is done to place the abdominal organs into the proper position and repair the opening in the diaphragm.
See: Diaphragmatic hernia repair - congenital
The infant will need breathing support until he or she recovers from surgery. Some infants are placed on a heart/lung bypass machine, which gives the lungs a chance to recover and expand after surgery.
If a diaphragmatic hernia is diagnosed during pregnancy (around 24 to 28 weeks), fetal surgery may be considered.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a very serious disorder. The outcome of surgery depends on how well your baby's lungs have developed. Usually the outlook is very good for infants who have enough lung tissue.
With advances in neonatal and surgical care, survival is now greater than 80%.
http://www.cdhsupport.org/cdh/overview.php
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001135.htm
Ironically when I was pregnant the survival rate for CDH was 20% and now it is 80%. Many advances have been made like exit to ECMO and fetal surgery. The one thing that has not changed, there is no cure and no one knows why it happens.
Diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe. The opening allows part of the organs from the belly (stomach, spleen, liver, and intestines) to go up into the chest cavity near the lungs.
Causes
A diaphragmatic hernia is caused by the improper joining of structures during fetal development. As a result, the abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the liver, and the kidney appear in the chest cavity. The lung tissue on the affected side is thus not allowed to completely develop.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is seen in 1 out of every 2,200 to 5,000 live births. Most affect the left side. Having a parent or sibling with the condition slightly increases your risk.
Symptoms
Severe breathing difficulty usually develops shortly after the baby is born, because of ineffective movement of the diaphragm and crowding of the lung tissue, which causes collapse. The reason why this occurs is not known.
Other symptoms include:
Bluish colored skin due to lack of oxygen
Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
Exams and Tests
The pregnant mother may have excessive amounts of amniotic fluid. Fetal ultrasound may show abdominal contents in the chest cavity.
Examination of the infant shows:
Irregular chest movements
Absent breath sounds on affected side
Bowel sounds heard in the chest
Abdomen feels less full on examination by touch (palpation)
A chest x-ray may show abdominal organs in chest cavity.
Treatment
A diaphragmatic hernia is an emergency that requires surgery. Surgery is done to place the abdominal organs into the proper position and repair the opening in the diaphragm.
See: Diaphragmatic hernia repair - congenital
The infant will need breathing support until he or she recovers from surgery. Some infants are placed on a heart/lung bypass machine, which gives the lungs a chance to recover and expand after surgery.
If a diaphragmatic hernia is diagnosed during pregnancy (around 24 to 28 weeks), fetal surgery may be considered.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a very serious disorder. The outcome of surgery depends on how well your baby's lungs have developed. Usually the outlook is very good for infants who have enough lung tissue.
With advances in neonatal and surgical care, survival is now greater than 80%.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Diaphragmatic Hernia
On one of those many Tuesday ultrasounds Dr. G found the real problem or maybe I should say one of the real problems. My baby had a diaphragmatic hernia. A WHAT? How bad could a hernia be? Aren't they all fixable? Despite my initial thought this was not good news. This was no regualr run of the mill hernia. So many problems could result.
My baby's heart was on the right side. It was moved by the hernia. His stomach was in his chest and that forced his heart over. Since the lungs are the last thing to grow fully his lungs would not have room to grow. Wow, I was not sure how much more bad news I could take.
I went home and straight to my computer. There was not much about CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) but I did find one support group called CHERUBS. The group was made up of people that had lost there children to this awful birth defect and to those dealing with the health issues that came with survival. I requested membership by explaining that even though I had not lost my baby yet his survival chance was 1% so I was already grieving.
My baby's heart was on the right side. It was moved by the hernia. His stomach was in his chest and that forced his heart over. Since the lungs are the last thing to grow fully his lungs would not have room to grow. Wow, I was not sure how much more bad news I could take.
I went home and straight to my computer. There was not much about CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) but I did find one support group called CHERUBS. The group was made up of people that had lost there children to this awful birth defect and to those dealing with the health issues that came with survival. I requested membership by explaining that even though I had not lost my baby yet his survival chance was 1% so I was already grieving.
Am I depressed?
The next Tuesday I was still leaking fluid but at a much slower rate. An ultrasound was done to see what things looked like. He was still there. The rest is a blur. We simply waited for the heartbeat to stop.
As Tuesday's came and went several things happened. Dr. G wanted to put me on an anti-depressant at one appt and I refused. He told me it was normal to be depressed, anyone would be. I wasn't sure what depression was, I knew I was very sad. I cried all the time. He kept pressing and got me to agree that I talk to 2 people and if they thought I was drepressed I would at least try.
I spoke to two people, I guess a therapist or psychologist and maybe a social worker. They asked me how I felt about group therapy. I told them it would not work because I would not say anything. That's all I recall. I went back to Dr G and he put me on prozac and sent me to a therapist. Now I know what you are thinking because I had all those thoughts too. PROZAC!!!!! Is he kidding me, that makes people kill people. He explained that it was the one OB's knew about giving during pregnancy. Hmmm. It took me about 3 weeks to try the prozac. It made me so sick I never took it again. So I was sent to a psychiatist so she could figure out what to give me. :-) That turned into an adventure I'll tell you about later.
As Tuesday's came and went several things happened. Dr. G wanted to put me on an anti-depressant at one appt and I refused. He told me it was normal to be depressed, anyone would be. I wasn't sure what depression was, I knew I was very sad. I cried all the time. He kept pressing and got me to agree that I talk to 2 people and if they thought I was drepressed I would at least try.
I spoke to two people, I guess a therapist or psychologist and maybe a social worker. They asked me how I felt about group therapy. I told them it would not work because I would not say anything. That's all I recall. I went back to Dr G and he put me on prozac and sent me to a therapist. Now I know what you are thinking because I had all those thoughts too. PROZAC!!!!! Is he kidding me, that makes people kill people. He explained that it was the one OB's knew about giving during pregnancy. Hmmm. It took me about 3 weeks to try the prozac. It made me so sick I never took it again. So I was sent to a psychiatist so she could figure out what to give me. :-) That turned into an adventure I'll tell you about later.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The twin
Now is the time to say this started out as a twin pregnancy. There was a fetal pole and then there wasn't on the twin. There were two sacs. I was concerned but the Dr told me the other sac would usually be reabsorbed into my body an the rest of the pregancy would go on normally.
But this is me we are talking about..... that would have been too normal.
Expecting everything to be alright I went on vacation to Portugal thinking it would be the last in a long time. I was about 3 months pregnant but I looked bigger, like I was carrying twins. Portugal was great, I walked a lot and was fine.
I flew back into Houston and drove to San Antonio on a Sunday.
The Spurs were playing at the Alamo dome and I often went to games. A few days after returning from Portugal I went to a game. I was wearing my new cream colored maternity capri's and a long white shirt. It's always a long way from the parking to the front of the dome. Everything was fine unitl I got to the outside area in front of the Alamo dome. All of a sudden I felt something warm go down my legs. I asked my companion to walk away from me and turn around to see if I had anything red looking on my pants as discreetly as possible. It was more like a comedy show but the look on the person's face told me everything I needed to know. I started crying, as any same pregnant woman would have. I thought I was having a miscarriage.
It was a very long walk back to the car and blood was everywhere.
My companion started driving like a maniac so I said, "look I am not having any cramps, no pain at all. At this point if I am having a miscarriage there is nothing that can be done so you are driving like a maniac for no reason and I don't need to be more scared than I already am.
I got to the hospital which was not close, in one piece. I don't really remember getting into the ER. I do recall urinating in a cup and it looked like Hawaiin punch. The DR took one look and got a portable ultrasound machine.
That was the first time my son waved at me and we all laughed.
The twin was gone but his sac had continued to grow (that's why I looked twin pregnant) until the size of my son squeezed it enough for it to bust open. This all happened about 3 weeks before that fateful ultrasound.
I felt like I was grieving all over again for the second baby that would never be. I decided it would have also been a boy and named him. :-) I was remined many months later that if only for a second, he existed.
But this is me we are talking about..... that would have been too normal.
Expecting everything to be alright I went on vacation to Portugal thinking it would be the last in a long time. I was about 3 months pregnant but I looked bigger, like I was carrying twins. Portugal was great, I walked a lot and was fine.
I flew back into Houston and drove to San Antonio on a Sunday.
The Spurs were playing at the Alamo dome and I often went to games. A few days after returning from Portugal I went to a game. I was wearing my new cream colored maternity capri's and a long white shirt. It's always a long way from the parking to the front of the dome. Everything was fine unitl I got to the outside area in front of the Alamo dome. All of a sudden I felt something warm go down my legs. I asked my companion to walk away from me and turn around to see if I had anything red looking on my pants as discreetly as possible. It was more like a comedy show but the look on the person's face told me everything I needed to know. I started crying, as any same pregnant woman would have. I thought I was having a miscarriage.
It was a very long walk back to the car and blood was everywhere.
My companion started driving like a maniac so I said, "look I am not having any cramps, no pain at all. At this point if I am having a miscarriage there is nothing that can be done so you are driving like a maniac for no reason and I don't need to be more scared than I already am.
I got to the hospital which was not close, in one piece. I don't really remember getting into the ER. I do recall urinating in a cup and it looked like Hawaiin punch. The DR took one look and got a portable ultrasound machine.
That was the first time my son waved at me and we all laughed.
The twin was gone but his sac had continued to grow (that's why I looked twin pregnant) until the size of my son squeezed it enough for it to bust open. This all happened about 3 weeks before that fateful ultrasound.
I felt like I was grieving all over again for the second baby that would never be. I decided it would have also been a boy and named him. :-) I was remined many months later that if only for a second, he existed.
What is Fetal Hydrops?
Again I went home to do research. It wasn't sounding very promising. :-(
• Fetal hydrops is a severe birth defect, that is, in most cases, lethal for the developing fetus. The term "hydrops" simply refers to abnormal fluid collections in at least two "spaces" in the fetus. This may mean skin edema, cystic hygroma, pericardial effusion, pleural effusions, abdominal ascites, or polyhydramnios. Hydrops can be diagnosed at any age, but most commonly presents by 14-18 weeks.
Hydrops is not a diagnosis in itself, but it is a sign of another disease process at work. Hundreds of entities have been noted to cause fetal hydops. Some of the most common etiologies are:
• Chromosomal abnormalities.
• Rh isoimmunization or incompatibility.
• Viral infections, such as parvovirus infection.
• Cardiac defects and arrhythmias.
• Fetal bleeding, and subsequent anemia.
• Blood disorders that may cause severe fetal anemia, for instance fetal alpha thalassemia.
• Rare metabolic disorders.
The prognosis for hydrops is very poor. The rate of fetal demise is very high, and neonatal survival in the NICU is the exception. The prognosis is directly related to the underlying etiology. Some etiologies such as cardiac arrhythmias or treatable forms of anemia (such as fetal parvovirus B19 infection) can have fetal survival. This requires proper diagnosis, and in utero therapy.
• Fetal hydrops is a severe birth defect, that is, in most cases, lethal for the developing fetus. The term "hydrops" simply refers to abnormal fluid collections in at least two "spaces" in the fetus. This may mean skin edema, cystic hygroma, pericardial effusion, pleural effusions, abdominal ascites, or polyhydramnios. Hydrops can be diagnosed at any age, but most commonly presents by 14-18 weeks.
Hydrops is not a diagnosis in itself, but it is a sign of another disease process at work. Hundreds of entities have been noted to cause fetal hydops. Some of the most common etiologies are:
• Chromosomal abnormalities.
• Rh isoimmunization or incompatibility.
• Viral infections, such as parvovirus infection.
• Cardiac defects and arrhythmias.
• Fetal bleeding, and subsequent anemia.
• Blood disorders that may cause severe fetal anemia, for instance fetal alpha thalassemia.
• Rare metabolic disorders.
The prognosis for hydrops is very poor. The rate of fetal demise is very high, and neonatal survival in the NICU is the exception. The prognosis is directly related to the underlying etiology. Some etiologies such as cardiac arrhythmias or treatable forms of anemia (such as fetal parvovirus B19 infection) can have fetal survival. This requires proper diagnosis, and in utero therapy.
First Tuesday appointment w/Dr. G
I get there on Tuesday and find out that Tuesday is high risk pregnancy day at the hospital. Dr G is a perinatologist so he specializes in high risk pregnancies. (Perinatologists are obstetricians with a subspecialty of obstetrics/gynecology in maternal-fetal medicine, which deals with high-risk pregnancies and requires additional years of concentrated training in obstetrics.)
We go straight into the ultrasound room. Dr. N meets us there as does another Dr I don't recall. I'll call him Dr X.
Dr G asked me if it was Ok to speak in front of me. Finally a Dr that understood me. I am not an alarmist and I like the plain truth. So they ultrasound, look and talk to themselves. There were theories and disagreements. It was very facinating. I was so caught up in solving the mystery I almost forgot it was my baby and me they were discussing.
At some point Dr N left. Dr G told me he believed it was fetal hydrops but that Dr N did not agree. He explained why he thought it was fetal hydrops. I was told I would most likely miscarry soon. I had the impression it was not possible to carry a baby to term with fetal hydrops.
This was just the beginning of bad news Tuesday's.
We go straight into the ultrasound room. Dr. N meets us there as does another Dr I don't recall. I'll call him Dr X.
Dr G asked me if it was Ok to speak in front of me. Finally a Dr that understood me. I am not an alarmist and I like the plain truth. So they ultrasound, look and talk to themselves. There were theories and disagreements. It was very facinating. I was so caught up in solving the mystery I almost forgot it was my baby and me they were discussing.
At some point Dr N left. Dr G told me he believed it was fetal hydrops but that Dr N did not agree. He explained why he thought it was fetal hydrops. I was told I would most likely miscarry soon. I had the impression it was not possible to carry a baby to term with fetal hydrops.
This was just the beginning of bad news Tuesday's.
What is a cystic hygroma?
Based on the FISH test results and I had no risk factors for cystic hygromas this was a mystery.
As soon as I got home I did more research.
Cystic hygromas are fluid-filled sacs that result from a blockage in the lymphatic system. The
lymphatic system is a network of vessels that maintains fluids in the blood, as well as transports fats and immune system cells. Cystic hygromas are single or multiple cysts found mostly in the neck region. A cystic hygroma can be present as a birth defect (congenital) or develop at any time during a person’s life. A cystic hygroma in a developing baby can progress to hydrops (an excess amount of fluid in the body) and eventually fetal death. Some cases of congenital cystic hygromas resolve leading to webbed neck, edema (swelling), and a lymphangioma (a benign yellowish-tan tumor on the skin composed of swollen lymph vessels). In other instances the hygroma can progress in size to become larger than the fetus.
Cystic hygromas occur in approximately 1% of fetuses between weeks 9 and 16 of pregnancy.
Causes: Cystic hygromas can occur as an isolated finding or in association with other birth defect as part of a syndrome. They result from environmental factors, genetic factors, or unknown factors.
Environmental causes for cystic hygroma include:
• Maternal viral infections, such as Parvovirus of Fifth’s disease
• Maternal substance abuse, such as abuse of alcohol
Genetic syndromes with cystic hygroma as a clinical feature:
• The majority of prenatally diagnosed cystic hygromas are associated with Turner syndrome,
a chromosome abnormality in which a female has only one X chromosome instead of two.
• Chromosome abnormalities such as trisomies 13, 18, and 21
• Noonan syndrome
The pattern of inheritance for these syndromes varies depending upon the specific syndrome.
Isolated cystic hygroma can be inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder for which parents are “silent” carriers. Finally, a cystic hygroma can occur from an unknown cause.
Testing: Because the risk for a chromosome abnormality approaches 50% when a cystic hygroma is found prenatally, amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling) can be performed to diagnose these conditions. If a genetic syndrome is suspected, test availability depends on the specific disorder. Maternal viral studies may also be considered if hydrops is present or maternal exposure can be documented.
Work up for a prenatally diagnosed cystic hygroma includes:
• A detailed ultrasound, including fetal echocardiogram, to look for other anomalies that may
indicate the cause for the hygroma
• A complete family history to determine if testing is indicated for hereditary syndromes.
• Amniocentesis or CVS to look for chromosome abnormalities or a specific genetic syndrome.
Viral studies on amniotic fluid can be performed if indicated by the presence of hydrops.
(Maternal serum screening does not help in determining the prognosis for a fetus with a
cystic hygroma.)
• Periodic ultrasound evaluations are necessary to look for resolution of the cystic hygroma
and/or development of other anomalies or fetal hydrops.
In the event of a fetal demise, a complete post-mortem exam (autopsy) is helpful to determine
risks to future pregnancies.
Prognosis:
In some situations, a cystic hygroma can be present in a healthy baby. If a chromosome abnormality is not found in the fetus, the outcome is generally better than for those who do have a chromosome abnormality. If a cystic hygroma is an isolated finding that resolves around 18-20 weeks gestation and the fetus has normal chromosomes, the outcome is good for 54-80% of these cases. In cases in which an isolated cystic hygroma does not resolve by 20 weeks gestation, 2-9% have a good outcome. Overall, there is generally a poor prognosis associated with the prenatal finding of cystic hygroma. Studies have indicated that smaller cystic hygromas are more likely to resolve.
Oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid) or polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) predicts a poor outcome. Hydrops occurs 22-76% of the time with a cystic hygroma and is almost always associated with miscarriage or fetal death.
Treatment:
A baby with a prenatally diagnosed cystic hygroma should be delivered in a major medical center equipped to deal with neonatal complications. An obstetrician usually decides the method of delivery. If the cystic hygroma is large, a cesarean section may be performed. After birth, infants with persistent cystic hygroma must be monitored for airway obstruction. A thin needle may be used to reduce the volume of the cystic hygroma to prevent facial deformities and airway obstruction. Close observation of the baby by a neonatalogist after birth is recommended. If resolution of the cystic hygroma does not occur before birth, a pediatric surgeon should be
consulted.
As soon as I got home I did more research.
Cystic hygromas are fluid-filled sacs that result from a blockage in the lymphatic system. The
lymphatic system is a network of vessels that maintains fluids in the blood, as well as transports fats and immune system cells. Cystic hygromas are single or multiple cysts found mostly in the neck region. A cystic hygroma can be present as a birth defect (congenital) or develop at any time during a person’s life. A cystic hygroma in a developing baby can progress to hydrops (an excess amount of fluid in the body) and eventually fetal death. Some cases of congenital cystic hygromas resolve leading to webbed neck, edema (swelling), and a lymphangioma (a benign yellowish-tan tumor on the skin composed of swollen lymph vessels). In other instances the hygroma can progress in size to become larger than the fetus.
Cystic hygromas occur in approximately 1% of fetuses between weeks 9 and 16 of pregnancy.
Causes: Cystic hygromas can occur as an isolated finding or in association with other birth defect as part of a syndrome. They result from environmental factors, genetic factors, or unknown factors.
Environmental causes for cystic hygroma include:
• Maternal viral infections, such as Parvovirus of Fifth’s disease
• Maternal substance abuse, such as abuse of alcohol
Genetic syndromes with cystic hygroma as a clinical feature:
• The majority of prenatally diagnosed cystic hygromas are associated with Turner syndrome,
a chromosome abnormality in which a female has only one X chromosome instead of two.
• Chromosome abnormalities such as trisomies 13, 18, and 21
• Noonan syndrome
The pattern of inheritance for these syndromes varies depending upon the specific syndrome.
Isolated cystic hygroma can be inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder for which parents are “silent” carriers. Finally, a cystic hygroma can occur from an unknown cause.
Testing: Because the risk for a chromosome abnormality approaches 50% when a cystic hygroma is found prenatally, amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling) can be performed to diagnose these conditions. If a genetic syndrome is suspected, test availability depends on the specific disorder. Maternal viral studies may also be considered if hydrops is present or maternal exposure can be documented.
Work up for a prenatally diagnosed cystic hygroma includes:
• A detailed ultrasound, including fetal echocardiogram, to look for other anomalies that may
indicate the cause for the hygroma
• A complete family history to determine if testing is indicated for hereditary syndromes.
• Amniocentesis or CVS to look for chromosome abnormalities or a specific genetic syndrome.
Viral studies on amniotic fluid can be performed if indicated by the presence of hydrops.
(Maternal serum screening does not help in determining the prognosis for a fetus with a
cystic hygroma.)
• Periodic ultrasound evaluations are necessary to look for resolution of the cystic hygroma
and/or development of other anomalies or fetal hydrops.
In the event of a fetal demise, a complete post-mortem exam (autopsy) is helpful to determine
risks to future pregnancies.
Prognosis:
In some situations, a cystic hygroma can be present in a healthy baby. If a chromosome abnormality is not found in the fetus, the outcome is generally better than for those who do have a chromosome abnormality. If a cystic hygroma is an isolated finding that resolves around 18-20 weeks gestation and the fetus has normal chromosomes, the outcome is good for 54-80% of these cases. In cases in which an isolated cystic hygroma does not resolve by 20 weeks gestation, 2-9% have a good outcome. Overall, there is generally a poor prognosis associated with the prenatal finding of cystic hygroma. Studies have indicated that smaller cystic hygromas are more likely to resolve.
Oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid) or polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid) predicts a poor outcome. Hydrops occurs 22-76% of the time with a cystic hygroma and is almost always associated with miscarriage or fetal death.
Treatment:
A baby with a prenatally diagnosed cystic hygroma should be delivered in a major medical center equipped to deal with neonatal complications. An obstetrician usually decides the method of delivery. If the cystic hygroma is large, a cesarean section may be performed. After birth, infants with persistent cystic hygroma must be monitored for airway obstruction. A thin needle may be used to reduce the volume of the cystic hygroma to prevent facial deformities and airway obstruction. Close observation of the baby by a neonatalogist after birth is recommended. If resolution of the cystic hygroma does not occur before birth, a pediatric surgeon should be
consulted.
The day after the amnio
My instructions were to stay in bed and rest. They must have forgotten about the hourly checks. They were suppose to be for heartbeats but when they could not hear it they pulled out the U/S, hence the hourly U/S.
Every time I had to get up to urinate there went all the water the baby had created. But a miracle was happening, the sac was repairing itself. But I didn't know that. I had never heard of someone's water breaking and the pregnancy not terminating. Dr G must have known because he never mentioned inducing me again. I hung out in bed all day. I can't recall what was going through my head but knowing me I was most likely pondering the meaning of life.
"The amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus throughout the pregnancy. The fluid is produced from the amniotic membranes and from fetus' urine. Its function is to protect the baby from temperature changes, trauma and allow it the freedom to move about and stretch. It also keeps the uterine wall expanded so it won't compress the growing fetus and placenta. The fetus swallows, breaths, and digests the amniotic fluid. By the end of the pregnancy there is approximately 1000ml (1 liter) of fluid in the amniotic sac. The fluid is basically clear or a little cloudy in color and is continually being made. If a mother ruptures her membranes early in her pregnancy, the rupture site can seal over with bed rest and a doctor's help, allowing more fluid to accumulate." Compliments of: http://www.pregnancy.org/article/inside-womb-who-are-players
Very late that night Dr. G came in and said, "we got the FISH test back". He confirmed my baby did not have Turner's syndrome because it was a boy. He also told me the trisomy 21 (Down's Syndrome) portion was negative. Now we had a puzzle, what was wrong with my baby?
The following day was Saturday and Dr G told me I could go home. I was scared because I was still leaking fluid all the time but it was not the flood I had previously. I was put on bed rest and instructed to return Tuesday.
Every time I had to get up to urinate there went all the water the baby had created. But a miracle was happening, the sac was repairing itself. But I didn't know that. I had never heard of someone's water breaking and the pregnancy not terminating. Dr G must have known because he never mentioned inducing me again. I hung out in bed all day. I can't recall what was going through my head but knowing me I was most likely pondering the meaning of life.
"The amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus throughout the pregnancy. The fluid is produced from the amniotic membranes and from fetus' urine. Its function is to protect the baby from temperature changes, trauma and allow it the freedom to move about and stretch. It also keeps the uterine wall expanded so it won't compress the growing fetus and placenta. The fetus swallows, breaths, and digests the amniotic fluid. By the end of the pregnancy there is approximately 1000ml (1 liter) of fluid in the amniotic sac. The fluid is basically clear or a little cloudy in color and is continually being made. If a mother ruptures her membranes early in her pregnancy, the rupture site can seal over with bed rest and a doctor's help, allowing more fluid to accumulate." Compliments of: http://www.pregnancy.org/article/inside-womb-who-are-players
Very late that night Dr. G came in and said, "we got the FISH test back". He confirmed my baby did not have Turner's syndrome because it was a boy. He also told me the trisomy 21 (Down's Syndrome) portion was negative. Now we had a puzzle, what was wrong with my baby?
The following day was Saturday and Dr G told me I could go home. I was scared because I was still leaking fluid all the time but it was not the flood I had previously. I was put on bed rest and instructed to return Tuesday.
Amnio day
Bright an early I got to the hospital. I was in a pretty good mood. I did not know what was wrong with my baby but I knew HE did not have Turner's syndrome. Turner's only happens in females and I was 100% sure I was having a boy. Turner's is a horrible thing so I was in a good mood.
Before putting me under Dr G checked me and told me he setup an appt for me to see Neurology right afterwards to deal with my never-ending migraine. he was shocked to find I was leaking amniotic fluid, I was not. I explained to him that at my last regular appointment I told the OB that I was leaking and he told me it had to be urine but he never checked me. Dr G was so furious I thought his head was going to blow-up. I was pretty glad he wasn't angry at me and felt sorry for the DR that had not followed up properly.
Dr G was the chief of the clinic but someone else was the director. This was a military hospital so all sorts of rules have to be followed. So Dr. G went to discuss the matter with the director, Dr N to see if we should proceed or not. Under the circumstances they decided to go ahead.
I recall some young Dr's asking if they could do my U/S before the amnio started and if they could stay. It didn't bother me.
I forgot to mention that every time someone did an U/S my baby waved. I was use to it but the interns thought it was so cute. My baby, making them smile from within the womb.
And then I went to sleep.
I woke-up none the wiser. It always feels like you just went under when they start calling your name to wake-up. I really think they should let us sleep longer. :-)
So after some time I went down to Neuro. I was sitting on the table discussing my headache and what they had given me in the ER every night when my water broke. My face registered shock so he asked me what was wrong. Well I'm here to tell you, a man is a man, it does not matter if they are doctors or not. So he reacted like a typical man by freaking out. If he could have beamed me up and out I would have been gone in 1 second but he had to wait for someone to get me out of there. I came by wheelchair so my chariot awaited. I never saw him again.
Back up to OB I went. Dr G admitted me and into a room I went to await the end. Everyone knows once your water breaks you are having a baby that day. The day had started out so promising and now here I was about to lose my baby. Nothing much happened throughout the day but they did take an U/S every hr and every hr we got a wave. He was still there. In the early evening DR G came in and told me two things, one he would get special permission to run a FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) test which would come back in 48 hours instead of the 10 days the amnio would take. The second things he said was he would go to the General to ask if they could induce me. His theory was why prolong this for me. Military hospitals will not do an abortion and inducing at 16 weeks was essentially an abortion. I just looked at him.
Before putting me under Dr G checked me and told me he setup an appt for me to see Neurology right afterwards to deal with my never-ending migraine. he was shocked to find I was leaking amniotic fluid, I was not. I explained to him that at my last regular appointment I told the OB that I was leaking and he told me it had to be urine but he never checked me. Dr G was so furious I thought his head was going to blow-up. I was pretty glad he wasn't angry at me and felt sorry for the DR that had not followed up properly.
Dr G was the chief of the clinic but someone else was the director. This was a military hospital so all sorts of rules have to be followed. So Dr. G went to discuss the matter with the director, Dr N to see if we should proceed or not. Under the circumstances they decided to go ahead.
I recall some young Dr's asking if they could do my U/S before the amnio started and if they could stay. It didn't bother me.
I forgot to mention that every time someone did an U/S my baby waved. I was use to it but the interns thought it was so cute. My baby, making them smile from within the womb.
And then I went to sleep.
I woke-up none the wiser. It always feels like you just went under when they start calling your name to wake-up. I really think they should let us sleep longer. :-)
So after some time I went down to Neuro. I was sitting on the table discussing my headache and what they had given me in the ER every night when my water broke. My face registered shock so he asked me what was wrong. Well I'm here to tell you, a man is a man, it does not matter if they are doctors or not. So he reacted like a typical man by freaking out. If he could have beamed me up and out I would have been gone in 1 second but he had to wait for someone to get me out of there. I came by wheelchair so my chariot awaited. I never saw him again.
Back up to OB I went. Dr G admitted me and into a room I went to await the end. Everyone knows once your water breaks you are having a baby that day. The day had started out so promising and now here I was about to lose my baby. Nothing much happened throughout the day but they did take an U/S every hr and every hr we got a wave. He was still there. In the early evening DR G came in and told me two things, one he would get special permission to run a FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) test which would come back in 48 hours instead of the 10 days the amnio would take. The second things he said was he would go to the General to ask if they could induce me. His theory was why prolong this for me. Military hospitals will not do an abortion and inducing at 16 weeks was essentially an abortion. I just looked at him.
The rest of the ultrasound
Dr G left the room to tell my parents we could not continue for them to see the U/S because of my headache. I have the most understanding parents in the world, they never asked anything except how my headache was.
He came back in and told me he found two cystic hygromas on my baby's neck. He told me he thought by baby had Turner's syndrome.
Dr G wanted to reschedule my amnio because I was in so much pain from my migraine. But I insisted because I was already in so much pain I might not notice that 100 inch needle going into my stomach. :-0
Well I will give him credit, he tried. It hurt so much he said, "I have never done this before but I am going to put you to sleep to do this". :-) Worked for me.
When I walked out I was worried about my parents so I tried very hard to pull myself together. There was no point in saying anything until I knew exactly what was going on. It was a good thing I had the migraine and the failed amnio because there was no way I could look like I was not crying. This was just the beginning, I think I cried for years.
He came back in and told me he found two cystic hygromas on my baby's neck. He told me he thought by baby had Turner's syndrome.
Dr G wanted to reschedule my amnio because I was in so much pain from my migraine. But I insisted because I was already in so much pain I might not notice that 100 inch needle going into my stomach. :-0
Well I will give him credit, he tried. It hurt so much he said, "I have never done this before but I am going to put you to sleep to do this". :-) Worked for me.
When I walked out I was worried about my parents so I tried very hard to pull myself together. There was no point in saying anything until I knew exactly what was going on. It was a good thing I had the migraine and the failed amnio because there was no way I could look like I was not crying. This was just the beginning, I think I cried for years.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The ultrasound
There was my baby. I could see his hands, feet, spine, head, toes, fingers, everything. I was laughing................
Dr. G turned off the ultrasound and turned to me. He said, “I can’t continue with this, letting you think everything is Okay. There is something wrong.
I burst into tears without even knowing what was wrong. I'm sure it was the hormones. Then I went into shock.
I was 15 weeks pregnant when I went in for my ultrasound and amniocentesis. A doctor I had never seen before met me in the room. He introduced himself as DR. G. and told me he was going to do my ultrasound and amnio.
I was excited even though I was suffering from a nine day migraine. Their had been many ultrasounds in the beginning for my miracle baby but this would be the first one where I would see something that looked like a baby.
My parents had flown in for their annual visit from the Islands the day before. I brought them with me. This was suppose to be their first time seeing an ultrasound.
Dr. G turned off the ultrasound and turned to me. He said, “I can’t continue with this, letting you think everything is Okay. There is something wrong.
I burst into tears without even knowing what was wrong. I'm sure it was the hormones. Then I went into shock.
I was 15 weeks pregnant when I went in for my ultrasound and amniocentesis. A doctor I had never seen before met me in the room. He introduced himself as DR. G. and told me he was going to do my ultrasound and amnio.
I was excited even though I was suffering from a nine day migraine. Their had been many ultrasounds in the beginning for my miracle baby but this would be the first one where I would see something that looked like a baby.
My parents had flown in for their annual visit from the Islands the day before. I brought them with me. This was suppose to be their first time seeing an ultrasound.
I chose the possibility of life
This story is my personal experience of carrying a baby with a terminal prognosis to term.
All women in this situation have two choices, to terminate the pregnancy or not.
I chose the possibility of life.
All women in this situation have two choices, to terminate the pregnancy or not.
I chose the possibility of life.
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