Blog

On this episode of the Healthful Woman Podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with listener Penny Khezrie, who shares her journey through pregnancy, loss, and healing. Her story is not just about complications in pregnancy, it is about fear, resilience, grief, and the power of being supported.

Penny’s Story

Penny’s Third Pregnancy

After two successful pregnancies, Penny’s third pregnancy became worrisome. She experienced early bleeding, which led to the discovery of a large hematoma caused by placental abruption. After the discovery, she experienced months of uncertainty with frequent bleeding, repeated ultrasounds, and the emotional toll of being told again and again that the baby’s heartbeat was strong, even as her body struggled to sustain the pregnancy.

Penny’s Emergency

As the pregnancy progressed, the bleeding worsened, leaving Penny severely anemic and hospitalized. Despite transfusions, close monitoring, and intensive imaging, she went into labor at just over 23 weeks. Penny shared, “I was able to push the baby out on my own, and I really like… We got to do it together. And I was able to birth a healthy baby that was alive. And I just felt like I didn’t want to… It didn’t feel right to send her to the NICU. It did not feel like the right thing. And I still believe that it was the right thing. Baby passed away just a couple hours later. And it’s tough.”

Penny’s Grief

Penny speaks about how isolating pregnancy loss can feel, particularly when it is not publicly acknowledged. Penny shared, “I was definitely very judgmental towards people who couldn’t approach me the right way. It was very hard. I remember people who wouldn’t say I’m sorry the first time they came to see me.” She shared how painful it was when people avoided the loss or didn’t know what to say, and how much it mattered when someone said, “I’m sorry for your loss.” This is a reminder that acknowledging loss is not about fixing pain, but about validating it.

Penny’s Fourth Pregnancy

Healing, for Penny, was not linear. It came in waves. Months later, when she considered becoming pregnant again, fear was unavoidable. But with careful medical guidance, therapy, and a supportive care team, Penny chose to try again. Her fourth pregnancy was shaped by the lingering trauma of her prior loss.

Penny’s Birth After Her Loss

When labor finally came, Penny decided to experience it fully. After enduring so much pain that led only to loss, she wanted this pain to lead to something beautiful. Supported by a patient and compassionate medical team, she delivered her daughter without an epidural, fully present for every moment. Hearing her baby cry was a meaningful moment.

Learn More

If you are interested in hearing more about Penny’s story, listen to the full episode on the Healthful Woman podcast. If you are seeking pregnancy care in New York, contact Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates by completing the online contact form.

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!