High Risk Pregnancy
A Mother’s First Hand Account
For years I have joked that I could help supplement the family income as a surrogate mother based on how very easy my two past pregnancies were. Yes, I was the woman who never got morning sickness, I didn’t retrain water, I had no problems sleeping, I never had heartburn, and I didn’t even waddle. I know I had it good! Well, needless to say I believe my perfect easy pregnancy resume has been tainted. Our family was eagerly expecting baby number three this June. At week 18 of the pregnancy, my water broke. This is a very rare occurrence and was linked to a blood clot that I had in my uterus at the beginning of the pregnancy. I was seriously hoping that this was a serious bladder control issue but it did turn out to be my water breaking (premature rupture). An ultrasound showed that there was little to no amniotic fluid detected around our baby girl.
After consulting my ObGyn and a maternal health specialist about my condition, my husband and I knew there were many high hurdles to clear in the hopes to bring home this baby. The major risks of the pregnancy were that there would be an infection (in me or the baby) and that I would go into labor. Further, the major problem with the lack of fluid for babies who do survive past 24 weeks (the earliest point of viability) is that their lungs do not develop, and then all the usual issues with premature babies. The only thing we could do was to have me stay on bed rest and hope for the best. Despite the concerns I had about the future, I felt very thankful for the ability to go on bed rest. I realized that for many women in our city, state, country, and around the world, this would not be an option. I was financially able to stop working, had excellent medical insurance, emotional support from friends and family, and I had help to take care of my two other children. My heart broke for all the women who have been in similar situations who didn't have the support to stay on for the long road. I think about women who aren't sure how they'd pay for the costly medical bills, who have other kids and don't have the large amount of support that is needed, and for women who can't take the time off of work. I can only imagine how much it hurt them to feel they had no options. I know I am fortunate to have such great support.
With each passing week we felt incredibly fortunate to 'still be in the game' because most women deliver soon after their water breaks or develop infection. At week 25 of the pregnancy, I was admitted to the high risk pregnancy unit in the hospital to further monitor my pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy the baby looked great. Unfortunately, for her it was just that she was living in the equivalent of a very cheap bad motel room.
My husband and I were really are overwhelmed with how much love and support we have received from our community of family and friends. Our usually empty fridge was full of yummy meals from friends. My family will never be the same because I have trained them to think frozen lasagna was home cooking and now they know the truth! We had friends take care of our kids. None of our family lives in the state, but we had family fly in from across the country to help out.
I am thankful to report that our daughter was born at week 30 and was soon breathing on her own. She is still in the NICU, but we have every reason to believe that she will soon be home with us. We are in awe at how well she is progressing and we are all the more thankful for the support we received to get her here.
Our family has been forever changed by this experience. We were humbled and thankful for the many people who helped us through this situation. We know this little baby is not just our family’s baby but is also the baby of a larger circle of friends, family, and medical professionals. We have learned that it doesn’t just take a ‘village to raise a child’ it takes a village to bring a healthy baby into this world. This experience has reinforced to me the need for community support to all expecting mothers.