I am Pregnant

After three years of praying, fasting, and walking by faith, God allowed my husband and I to go through our IVF (in-vitro fertilization) treatment. I was elated when I got a phone call informing us that we were pregnant.

Our prayers were finally answered.

Now I am sorry to tell you; this was a little over six years ago. I am not currently pregnant. Our modern-day miracle baby is now six years old. Check out his Instagram page.

Six years ago, all we wanted was to have a baby. We finally had that chance, but I didn’t realize we would have to work so hard to keep the baby.

Within 12 weeks into our pregnancy, I drove myself to the emergency room due to severe bleeding. Later I found out I had something called. ” Placenta Previa.” Placenta Previa is when the placenta covers the opening in the mother’s cervix.

I was in and out of the emergency room, followed by countless visits to Labor and Delivery. I was admitted to the hospital on multiple occasions, then it finally happened, I took one final ride. I was bleeding so bad; I thought I lost my baby. By God’s grace, I did not. He was doing well. The doctors wanted me to stay in the hospital until it was time to deliver. 

I know I may sound a bit ungrateful, But I missed a lot during my pregnancy. I did not get to take pregnancy photos; (I literally only have three pregnancy photos-see two out of three). I had a welcome baby shower vs. the traditional baby shower.  I gave birth to our son at 29 weeks which also caused me to miss a lot of the early first since he was premature weighing in 3 lbs 9z.

looking back at my pregnancy, there were a lot I thought I knew, but did not.  I did not know it would have cost me so much to have a baby, yet alone to keep the baby. I now have so many questions. Questions that I wish I had asked then. Questions I didn’t know to ask. I am honored that Growing & Glowing contact me to join alongside them on educating and empowerment campaign to highlight the unique experiences of African American moms. They partnered with Humana to support African American moms’ pregnancy journey and birthing experience to increase healthier outcomes for both moms and babies. They want to get our questions answered  by connecting with health care provides and sharing their respond to other women that needs answers. 

27 weeks pregnant in the hospital.

These are some of my questions. I wish I understood what was going on inside of me and why? Maybe the Growing & Glowing campaign can help answer them.

• Why did this happen to me?
  Since I have Endometriosis, is that the reason I got Placenta Previa?
• I want another baby, but my husband and I are scared that I will have placenta previa again. What are the chances of that happening?
• How can one prevent having placenta previa?
• Why didn’t my placenta previa move? and how can you get it to move?
• Is placenta previa IVF related?

Asking your doctor or medical provider questions is essential, but sometimes, you do not know what to ask, or simply  can not wrap your head around the current situation. 

My prescription for you is to:   ask more questions.

Be sure to post your questions in the comments and follow me on instagram to see what other pregnancy question, breastfeeding, and even postpartum questions that others are asking. 

Until next time

Sandra