Mama warriors I need you
I need mama warriors
I really need support tonight after my perinatology appointment.
Earlier today, the MFM nurse told me my 13-week anatomy scan looked very reassuring and beautiful. Then when the doctor came in, the conversation shifted heavily toward risk. He said things looked reassuring “so far,” but that we still don’t know everything yet. He brought up amniocentesis because the genetic condition I was born with could apparently make NIPT results less reliable or potentially false positive.
Then I was given a cardiac pregnancy risk assessment, and it came back saying I have an increased risk —around a 41% chance of cardiac complications during pregnancy/L&D. Before I even had the opportunity to discuss birth options, I was told it would need to be a scheduled C-section only. The conversation even turned toward the possibility that termination could someday be discussed if my life became endangered.
At that point, both my husband and I completely broke down.
I feel like I was suddenly placed into a box labeled “high risk” instead of being seen as a whole person. What’s especially hard is that I have already been followed closely by my cardiology/heart failure specialist since preconception, and I had been cleared to move forward with pregnancy. My heart function has recovered significantly and my ejection fraction has improved so much.
I understand that pregnancy can absolutely carry serious risks, and I do want to be realistic and safe. But I also believe risk can sometimes be managed and mitigated with close monitoring and good care. Right now I just feel emotionally shattered and overwhelmed.
If anyone here has taken one of these cardiac pregnancy risk assessments and was told they had elevated risk, would you be willing to share your experience and how things turned out for you? I think hearing real stories from others would help me feel less alone.
https://www.mdapp.co/carpreg-ii-score-calculator-cardiac-disease-in-pregnancy-risk-index-635/
My faith is strong. I’m trying very hard to hold onto that. I just don’t want fear to consume this pregnancy or feel pressured into hopelessness before we even know how the journey unfolds.
Does anyone know of a good perinatologist in the OC/ San Diego area. That truly understands POTS?