Maternal Fetal Medicine – The Amazing Adventures of Pregnancy

Dear High Risk Moms,

While I’m not proclaiming to know exactly what you are going through and cannot fully understand every thought you are having. I know you have chosen to have a baby and with that baby comes dreams and hopes of an amazing pregnancy journey and a beautiful healthy baby.

However at some point during your pregnancy, you were referred to the High Risk doctor and your world changed. I’m sure you wondered or wondering now… what does this mean?? What’s going to happen?

Moms, I hear you. This journey you are on may be one of the most fearful, emotionally charged journey you will have to take in your life. I understand you are literally fighting to make it to Labor & Delivery and deliver a healthy baby to bring home.

Moms, there will be times when you are working with your primary doctor and Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctor and feel overwhelmed with the tests, procedures, and appointments. There will be times you are worried if insurance will cover all that you need. Google may have become your ‘second doctor” and chat rooms your saving grace as you try to find other moms as support. I understand.

I understand there are days you want to rage because ‘ it’s just not fair’ and you question ” why me?” Yes, I see your furstration with information overload and the complexity of the situation;the uncertainty if you should trust your healthcare team’s plan. I know you are carrying a precious gift- you will protect at all cost.

Moms, I hear you and I’m with you. I want you to know as your nurse, myself, your MFM doctor and many team members are there with you from the moment we meet you to after you deliver and beyond if you need us.

We carry you in our thoughts as we collaborate to design the best plan to have you and your baby safe and healthy. We pray for wisdom to chose the correct plan for you. We pray for your peace during a challenging time. We partner with you to create a plan you are comfortable with to have a desired outcome.

As your nurse, I urge you to give me your worries , I want your questions, I’ll handle the logistics. I want to make this particular challenging pregnancy journey easier for you. With a high risk pregnancy your mind is already filled with thoughts and worries- Our goal as the MFM team is to always reduce stress, minimize worry and promote peace in any situation.

Moms, remember this is your journey and I’m walking with you every step. Always let me know what you need, when you need it as we make it to the destination of delivering a healthy baby and keep you healthy.

Sincerely,

Your MFM Nurse ❤️

(picture source: pixaby.com)

By: Mary Echols,RN,BSN,MSN

Wife /Mother/Nurse

Contact Mary at : theamazingadventuresofpregnancy@yahoo.com

Maternal Fetal Medicine Monday

“Thank you. Thank you for taking a situation that could have been difficult, stressful and overwhelming and making it manageable.”

I will never forget these words spoken to me by a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) patient. That one sentence sums up why I do what I do, and why I love what I do.

I will protect the name of the patient for confidentiality and call her Mrs. X. Mrs. X was 39 yo, pregnant with her second child; she and her husband was excited to welcome a new baby into their home. During a routine ultrasound, Mrs. X’s baby was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes the brain to swell. The name Hydrocephalus means “water on the brain”. The plan for Mrs. X’s baby was to transfer after delivery to a local Children’s Hospital to receive the care needed.

I recall meeting Mr. & Mrs. X and their adorable 2yo during their MFM consultation. Understandably, the family was overwhelmed, worried and nervous. On top of the health concerns for their unborn baby and the apprehension of being separated shortly after birth; the family also had the additional stressors of insurance and logistics of appointments.

I remember telling the family: let me handle the insurance, let me handle arranging appointments, let me handle the little details. Your main concern at this time is to focus on your baby and yourself. I noticed a little sigh of relief, yet wariness in their eyes. So I did what I do; called the insurance companies, obtained prior authorizations as needed, arranged appointments that coordinated with the patient’s convenience, and took care of any concern they had.

Prior to delivery on their last appointment with the MFM team; I wished them well and informed them to please call if they needed any further assistance. My patient went on to deliver; the baby was transferred to Children’s Hospital and I heard all was going well. I thought of them often, but knew most likely I would not see them again until the next pregnancy; as the postpartum care would be with their primary Ob/Gyn.

Countdown to delivery; nervous but hopeful

Many months later; I received a call to come to the front desk. Standing at the front desk with her baby and older sister was Mrs. X. Baby X was beautiful and doing well, mom looked happy, the big sister was excited. Mrs. X came back just to say

“Thank you. Thank you for taking a situation that could have been difficult, stressful and overwhelming and making it manageable.”

For anyone experiencing a high risk pregnancy; it can be overwhelming as you travel the unfamiliar road. I want you to focus- day by day– do not try to figure everything out at one time. Trust your MFM team, let them worry about the little details. Take each moment to focus on you and your baby.

Remember, your MFM team’s goal is the same as yours:

Healthy Mom/Healthy Baby

Mary E., RN,BSN, MSN

Wife/Mother/Nurse/Champion of All Pregnant Women

contact: theamazingadventuresopregnancy@yahoo.com

(article source: Written by Amanda Delgado and Valencia Higuera Medically Reviewed by Steven Kim, MD on September 26, 2015 Found online: Healthline)

Tag: Maternal Fetal Medicine

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