A Rainbow Baby After The Storm BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
Ashley experienced two miscarriages in one year and feared she would never have a baby. She and her husband were devastated. Ashley discovered miscarriages are common, with one in four women experiencing at least one in their lifetime. There are many reasons miscarriages can occur. After blood tests, Ashley learned she had two clotting disorders. Determined to have a healthy, full-term pregnancy, she went to a hematologist for more answers. She started taking blood thinners after the visit. Three months later, Ashley had a positive pregnancy test. While she and her husband were overjoyed, they were understandably tentative. They waited until Ashley was 12 weeks along to share the news with family and friends. “When I figured out that I was pregnant, I was hesitant to share the news with anyone,” Ashley said. “Going through that twice in a row, you don’t want to share anything until you’re in the ‘safe zone.’ After going through two losses, you can’t help but think, ‘is it going to happen again?’” After each appointment, learning that she and the baby were healthy, Ashley’s worries and fears started to fade. She had a smooth pregnancy, until her third trimester. She went to the hospital three times with early contractions. It was during the last visit that she learned her baby was in a breech position. Because she was on blood thinner medication, her options were to be induced or to have a cesarean section (C-section). Since her little one was in a breech position, her doctor scheduled Ashley for a C-section. She was worried for her baby; however, she completely trusted her doctor. Ashley delivered a healthy baby boy, her rainbow baby. (A
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rainbow baby is a term for a baby born after a miscarriage, stillborn birth or early infant death.) “A year ago, I didn’t think I was ever going to be a mom. Today, I have the most beautiful little boy. He was the missing piece that I needed to feel completely whole.” Ashley and her husband hope by sharing their story, they can offer hope to others. As we know, the rainbow can’t come until after there is a storm.
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists, PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
