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In a recent Healthful Woman podcast episode, “Shoshana’s Birth Story: 5-week admission for fetal hydrops,” Host Dr. Nathan Fox spoke with Shoshana, a listener who shared the story of her successful yet challenging pregnancy. After a smooth first pregnancy, Shoshana expected a similar experience the second time around. During her first trimester, she experienced unexpected bleeding that led to further testing and close monitoring.

Shoshana’s Early Pregnancy Concerns and Monitoring

During Shoshana’s second pregnancy, initial bloodwork returned low-risk results, but an ultrasound revealed an elevated nuchal translucency measurement, a marker that can indicate an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities. Shoshana and her OB/GYN chose to monitor the pregnancy, while preparing for any complications that might develop. Throughout this period, her care team prioritized both her mental health and physical well-being.

Placenta Previa and Early Hospitalization

At her 20-week anatomy scan, Shoshana was diagnosed with placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix. This raised the risk of further bleeding and increased the possibility of a C-section. At 25 weeks pregnant, she experienced a second bleeding episode and was hospitalized. During her stay, she received steroid and magnesium treatments to help protect the baby’s lungs and brain development. Although she was discharged after 24 hours, it was clear that her pregnancy would continue to require close attention.

Fetal Hydrops

At 31 weeks, another bleeding episode led to a hospital visit where fetal hydrops was diagnosed, meaning that fluid had accumulated around the baby’s lungs and abdomen. This scary time prompted Shoshana’s high risk pregnancy care team to prepare for an emergency C-section for both her and her baby’s general health. Shoshana’s fluid levels stabilized on their own, and an in-utero procedure to drain the fluid was canceled. After this, Shoshana was hospitalized for five weeks, under the close observation of her care team. Shoshana shared, “After my first pregnancy, I didn’t realize that, I can end up inpatient in the hospital for five weeks waiting for this baby to be born.”

Shoshana’s Birth Experience

At 36 weeks, Shoshana was induced and gave birth vaginally in the operating room with the NICU team standing by. Her daughter cried immediately after birth, indicating that she was healthy. Doctors later determined that the hydrops was caused by hydronephrosis, a kidney condition treatable with antibiotics. During the Healthful Woman episode, Shoshana shared, “When she was born, it was not as bad as they thought it was going to be. It turns out it wasn’t around her abdomen. It was around her kidney, and that can be treated by antibiotic.” After just over three weeks in the NICU, Shoshana’s daughter was released to go home. Shoshana’s story is ultimately a positive birth story, highlighting resilience, expert care, and hope.

Learn More

To hear more about Shoshana’s experience and other birth experiences that cover topics related to women’s health and overall wellness, listen to the Healthful Woman. For pregnancy ultrasound services and women’s imaging tests in New York, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates or Carnegie Hill Imaging through our online contact form today.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!