*Trigger warning, discusses threatened miscarriage, subchorionic hematoma and bicornuate uterus*
One year ago, we were sitting in a triage room at 3:30 am. “Threatened miscarriage.” That was all I heard before I felt cold, afraid and empty. That feeling could not be shaken over the longest three days I have ever experienced. We had to wait, the ENTIRE weekend to see if that baby’s heartbeat was increasing or decreasing. I was made to stay in bed or on the couch, not get too stressed or excited, nor could I lift anything. Prayer. Prayer got me through those three days, helped me to smile with my children, helped me to breathe in moments when I thought my breath would be lost all together. It helped me when the tears would flow without my knowledge until they were cold on my cheek. Helped me find a way through it all.
We got to the doctor and after another round of blood work and sonograms, I was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma (a bleed on the uterine wall) and bicornuate uterus (a birth defect that I have had all along). Due to the size and location of the bleed, I was placed on restricted activity and every trip to the bathroom from there on out was stressful. Would I lose the baby or would we be okay? I was so worried, until I was educated more on my uterus shape.
As it turns out, a bicornuate uterus (which means my uterus is heart-shaped, or has two horns/cavities) is associated with increased adverse reproductive outcomes, such as recurrent pregnancy loss and pre-term deliveries. I have had this condition from birth and never knew until my third pregnancy. I never knew because, with a condition that should have proved pregnancy a difficult task or even a risky one; it had never caused a problem. Once I realized that, I knew that this current pregnancy was not in my control. It was in God’s hands, just like my previous two and as He tells us we should, I casted my cares (well worries) upon Him. Comfort, safety and hope; those were what I found after that first week passed and I gave it all up to Him.
Here we are, a year later with a BEAUTIFUL baby boy. Born full term, we went into labor naturally, delivered him naturally (unplanned as my epidural was turned off when my blood pressure dropped dangerously low), he is happy, healthy and thriving. Our earnest boy 2.0 has filled our hearts, we are now a party of five and wholly complete. For that fact, the tears of joy flow and I know they are there, my breath is full of humbling relief and my smiles are not struggling to be there. I am in awe.
x. em.
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