The Story and The Name--Part 1

"We don't have statistics for you," replied the perinatologist (one who was filling in for the doctor I normally see). She had just finished explaining that my first ultrasound gave cause to be concerned about an alarming diagnosis of placenta accreta. Her response regarding statistics was in regards to the fact that I will be having my 6th c-section with the delivery of Next Girl. The look on her face was one of incredulity, akin to , "I just can't believe you're this stupid."

The ultrasound showed that the placenta was covering the uterus. Thus, it was a concern that the placenta could attach too deeply to the uterine wall, creating the condition known as placenta accreta. When this condition happens, it almost always results in a hysterectomy at the time of delivery and there are varying degrees of this complication that can result in damage to other organs, such as the bladder. The placenta looks for things to "feed on" and attach to, almost like a cancer, and often it attaches to other organs.

Of course I was upset, and when I saw my regular OB and told him the news, I quickly tried to draw out some reassurance from him. His response was not reassuring at all. If I did end up having placenta accreta, he wouldn't be doing the surgery. (I later found out that cancer specialists often do these types of surgeries because of the intricacies and danger involved in detaching the placenta.) So, I said, "But the placenta can move, right?" He gave a sigh and confidently stated, "The placenta is not going to move."

The perinatologist said we would do additional bloodwork that would give us more information and, of course, follow-up with another ultrasound. Simply not knowing and yet having to wait was so difficult. I searched the internet for more information, and most everything I read was devastating.

Of course, Mountain Man and I prayed. We also wanted to ask others to pray, but honestly, we were cautious because we knew that some of the potential reactions might not be compassionate or favorable and some family and friends might worry excessively. So, I shared our request with a couple of friends, asking them to pray that God would remove this danger and that the placenta wouldn't attach abnormally, but most importantly, that God would give us peace regardless of His will.

The wait to return for that second ultrasound seemed to last forever, and the diagnosis was nothing that we expected to hear.