Today, I was driving down the country road. A flock of birds flew from the side and crossed my vision. It was a hot sultry day--summer's last tenuous hold on the season. It brought back a flood of memories. Could it really only have been a year ago?
May 12, 2008. The day began just like any other. My husband had already gone to work at his Chicago office. I was 13 weeks pregnant with my son, Giovanni. I went to the bathroom and was shocked to discover blood. A lot of it too. Instantly, my worst fear came to mind.
Was I losing my baby? I thought I was safe--it's past the 12-week mark! I immediately called my OB-GYN and they said I needed to come in right away to do an ultrasound stat (just like in all the hospital dramas).
After I hung up, I promptly burst into tears. I called my mom (who was 2000 miles away, living in another state). When I told her what happened, I could hear the anxiety in her voice. She told me to calm down and to call her as soon as I got home. I think I was in a daze. I remember walking out to my car and calling Carlos for directions to the hospital. I was so scared and frightened. Thinking back, I could have called my roommate for a ride. But I wasn't thinking clearly. I have never driven so emotionally before. Tears were in my eyes and I sobbed loudly. Somehow, I made it to the hospital. I was no longer crying but there was an empty pit in my stomach. Worse than butterflies.
I went to the hospital, explained my situation, but had to wait almost 2 hours because I had an unscheduled ultrasound. I was so nervous, my hands were shaking. My voice was hardly more than a whisper. Finally, my name got called and I walked into the ultrasound room. The technician was so kind and I think she could tell I was in a great deal of distress. She said I needed to stay for longer because she needed to take additional measurements. I saw my son for the first time. I was saddened that my husband (his father) couldn't be here to see our precious babe. But to me, everything looked alright. I started to hope. The technician printed a picture and whispered, "Don't tell anyone you got this from me. I'm not supposed to give it to you." Her kindness gave me hope.
Then there was nothing to do more than just to wait. I hated that part the most. I walked back into the parking lot and the tears flooded my eyes again. I cursed my situation all the way to high heaven. Here I was, alone in the parking lot, with no family or friends around me and my husband was 2 hours away. I had never felt so helpless. After I regained my composure, I drove back home. I received a phone call from my OB-GYN regarding my emergency ultrasound. It turns out I had a condition called "placenta previa." It's when the placenta grows too low in the uterus and covers part or all of the cervix. This is what caused the bleeding. 5 weeks later, at my 18-week ultrasound, my placenta was high enough and far way from the cervix. And my husband was able to attend the blessed event. Now, my son is 9 months old and full of life and energy. He's such a vivacious character. So active and gets into ev-er-y-thing! I try not to think about what might have happened. My son is here and now and I intend to make the best of our lives together.
Were you ever diagnosed with placenta previa? Did you ever have a pregnancy scare?
Comments (2)
I am so relieved and happy for you and your son. I send the best of wishes to you and your family.
@thekeyhole@xanga - Thank you.