A Stroke In The WOMB
Kate’s toddler is fighting back with the help of her big sister
My little girl Edie’s face lit up as I said the magic words... ‘You’re going to have a little sister.’ ‘Really?!’ she asked excitedly. It was April 2015 and me and my husband Terry, 41, were thrilled to be expecting our fourth child.
We also had two wonderful sons – Alfie, now 6, as well as Oliver, now 5.
Edie, now 8, was ecstatic. After living with two brothers, she was finally getting what she’d always wished for – a sister.
The start of my pregnancy went by without a hitch, and the 12-week ultrasound showed a healthy baby.
With my kids now all at school, I couldn’t wait to have a newborn again.
But two months later, my 20-week scan threw up some unexpected results.
Arriving at Russells Hall Hospital with my mum Janice, 64, all I could think about was seeing my growing girl on the screen again.
Only, the sonographer said she had to get a doctor. Then...
‘I’m afraid there’s too much fluid on the baby’s brain,’ she told us.
My heart dropped.
The doctor explained that although our baby could be born healthy, there was also a chance there could be something seriously wrong.
I felt devastated. For my future child, for Terry and the boys – and for Edie, who so desperately wanted a sister.
‘We can offer you a termination,’ the doctor said.
For me, this was never even an option. We had to give our baby a chance.
As the pregnancy went on, I had more regular scans, and doctors became certain that our baby would be disabled.
While I was heartbroken, I was determined to fight for her.
But an MRI scan at 28 weeks revealed shocking news.
Our girl had suffered a stroke in the womb.
What? Wasn’t it mainly elderly people who had strokes?
I’d no idea babies could be affected, especially before they were born.
‘It’s likely your daughter won’t be able to talk, walk or feed herself,’ the doctor told us.
I looked at Terry, tears in my eyes.
Our baby girl wasn’t even here yet and she was already facing a number of setbacks.
We agreed that it was time to tell Edie and the boys about the problems their little sister would face.
Edie’s promise
Heavily pregnant, I sat them down to break the news.
‘The baby is a bit poorly. When she’s born, she’s going to need extra help from Mummy and Daddy.’
Edie nodded thoughtfully. ‘I’ll look after her, too,’ she promised us.
Bless!
On 11 December 2015, I was ready to deliver.
The doctors and nurses kept a close eye on us throughout the labour.
And as soon as our precious girl, Emily, was
born, she was scooped up
Doctors became certain our baby would be disabled