post-surgery: tips for taking care and keeping calm

bytalitha a. mcguinness

OOnce the whirlwind of your fetal syndrome diagnosis and surgery have passed, you'll have some time to think about your baby's arrival and to focus on self-care. You have either just undergone minimally invasive or open fetal surgery to help your unborn baby's chances of survival, but there are still risks involved to the both of you. Right now, there is nothing more important than resting and taking it easy. Here are a few tips on caring for yourself during this time. travel If you're like most patient families dealing with a fetal syndrome, you likely traveled out of state to a fetal center for treatment and care. After a few days of monitoring, including ultrasounds to monitor your baby's condition and watching for signs of preterm labor, you'll be released and depending on the severity of your diagnosis and treatment, will either be instructed to stay nearby until follow-up consultation and release or delivery, or sent home for prenatal care under your normal doctor. Outside of this necessary movement, and unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, your travel should be restricted until delivery.

bedrest After surgery, many patients are sent home with strict instructions to remain in bed (or on the couch), resting on your side. This position has proven optimal for best blood

Talitha has been a part of crafting much of the creative side of the Fetal Health Foundation for more than 12 years. Married for 17 years and mom to four, with her identical twins being TTTS survivors, she has experienced the spectrum on pregnancy and childbirth. She loves being a resource for other families on their journey with a fetal syndrome. flow to your baby and uterus, and helps decrease any possible uterine contractions. Since preterm labor is known to be the most common complication of fetal surgery, your body and baby will only benefit from the rest. Be sure to ask how restricted you are and for how long. Depending on how well you and your baby are doing, this may be altered on a visit by visit basis. Some patients have shower and outings privileges, while others are only allowed to get up for bathroom breaks. If you find yourself in this more restricted scenario, invest in body wipes for keeping with good hygiene, binge watch your favorite shows, stock up on a good book and some snacks, and schedule family and friends to visit so you don't get too lonely. consulting your doctor If you stay nearby your fetal center, you'll be closely monitored each week until you're released to travel home or until delivery. If you're released home, you'll still be seen weekly for ultrasounds to check the vitals of your baby and to ensure the success of the treatment. At the first few postsurgery check-ups, it's important that you discuss any discomfort you may have from the surgery, and especially if your wound does not seem to be healing correctly. It could be a sign of infection that can easily be managed if and when caught early enough. fueling your body While there is no specific diet to which you are restricted after surgery, it is important to understand that you should be eating as nutritiously as possible. Hopefully, by now your nausea and morning sickness have faded and you are able to stomach actual meals, or at least snacks throughout the day. Stick with foods high in protein, including dairy products like Greek yogurt that are also high in needed calcium. Chicken, turkey and eggs are also excellent sources of protein and nutrients like choline, iron and B vitamins, among others needed throughout pregnancy. Dense foods like berries, watermelon and cucumbers are great for helping with nutrients and hydration, as they are higher in water content. And speaking of hydration, don't forget the importance of water. Drinking lots of fluids will help prevent preterm labor and will help improve your baby's overall health and fluid levels, too. If you're getting headaches, feeling more anxious than normal, tired, routinely in a bad mood, or are experiencing reduced memory, it could be signs of dehydration. Mention the symptoms to your doctor and keep drinking water in the meantime. planning for delivery Depending on when you had surgery during your pregnancy, delivery could be weeks or even months away. After some time on bedrest, it will be time to begin planning for your new little one to arrive. You should discuss any concerns or questions you have with members of your care team, as you've anxiously awaited this day for a long while. Typically, patient families who have received a fetal syndrome diagnosis and undergone surgery to correct it find themselves in delivery rooms with a crowd. Aside from your perinatologist and neonatologist, labor and delivery nurses and anesthesiologist, members may also include cardiac and respiratory therapists to best assist in the delivery and immediate care of your baby and their unique situation. Most fetal centers require that if you had open fetal surgery, your pregnancy will be delivered by planned cesarean or C-section. This is mainly to prevent reopening of the uterine wound made during prenatal surgery. However, if you had a minimally invasive procedure, you may want to discuss with your doctor, as you may be able to deliver vaginally. Regardless of your restrictions after fetal therapy, remember that your pregnancy and the life of your unborn child rests on making good choices. Take care of yourself and let the doctors handle the rest. since preterm labor is known to be the most common complication of fetal surgery, your body and baby will only benefit from the rest. "

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