A happy ending for mom and baby
Char and Michael Solberg, of Fargo, hoped the birth of their second child would go just as smoothly as the birth of their firstborn, Grace. But five months into the pregnancy, they learned differently.
"We're just very grateful to MeritCare to have our family of four." -Char Solberg
A routine ultrasound revealed a potentially dangerous condition called placenta previa. In this condition, the placenta — the organ that supports the baby while inside the mother — completely or partially covers the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). Occurring in less than one percent of all births, the condition often resolves on its own during pregnancy, but when it doesn't, extra care must be taken. Years ago, the condition likely contributed to a higher number of mothers and babies dying during childbirth. Today, placenta previa can be identified early and steps taken to ensure the safest possible delivery for mother and baby.
Preparing for a difficult birth
Under the close care of MeritCare obstetrician Dr. Margaret Mickelson, the Solbergs took the needed steps: frequent checkups and close monitoring of Char and the baby, bed-rest for Char during the last few months to lessen the risk of hemorrhaging and in the last few weeks, medication to help the baby's lungs develop in case of a premature birth.
"To be honest, I felt like a ticking bomb," says Char. "On the one hand I felt fine, but on the other hand, I knew the danger of hemorrhaging and possibly losing the baby. It was a very stressful time. We had a babysitter come in for Grace, Michael did as much as he could to help around the house and we both felt reassured that Dr. Mickelson was on top of this and knew what needed to be done." The Solbergs knew the delivery of their baby might happen sooner than expected and they knew it would likely be a cesarean section (C-section) to reduce the risk of severe bleeding of the placenta. They knew, too, the high-level care possibly needed would be readily available; MeritCare Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is located next to MeritCare Family Birth Center.
At 36 weeks, the baby's large size indicated it was time to schedule the C-section. On Oct. 10, Charlie entered the world weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces. Because he was born slightly prematurely and had a fast heart rate and rapid breathing, he was immediately transported to the nearby NICU, where he received close monitoring, oxygen and nourishment through a temporary feeding tube. But the most critical situation was yet to unfold.
Saving a mother's life
While under close supervision in the recovery room, Char began to hemorrhage. Steps were taken to stop the hemorrhaging, but none were successful for long. "I remember hearing voices in the room, but I don't remember much else," Char says. Michael recalls at one point her blood pressure dropped to 40/20; the Family Birth Center medical team worked quickly to save her life.
The step that finally stopped the bleeding took place in the radiology department. Dr. Mickelson consulted with radiologist Dr. Michael Weiner, who recommended an interventional radiology procedure in which a thin tube would be directed into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus, so that a gel-like material could be injected to stop the bleeding.
Michael recalls the hour-and-a-half wait while his wife underwent the procedure. "It was the first time things had slowed down enough for me to sit and think. That was a dark moment. The possible loss of Char was overwhelming, plus I wondered how I would raise these two kids by myself," says Michael. "But then I reminded myself Dr. Weiner was confident the procedure would be successful. And as it turned out, he was right. The bleeding stopped."
Over the next few days, Char began to recover. "I was still pretty out of it, but I knew people were checking on me often, and I felt very much like I was under a watchful eye," she says. She needed several units of blood to replace the blood lost after the delivery. "I was so incredibly weak I couldn't even go to the NICU to see Charlie, but the nurses brought him to me. I could see he was in good hands," she says. Over the next five days, Char's strength gradually returned. "The nurses in the Family Birth Center were terrific. They just kept encouraging me, getting me to do one more thing each day," she says. After five days she was able to go home, followed by Charlie two days later.
A family of four
"I feel great," says Char, sitting on the couch at home holding Charlie, Grace leaning against both of them. "And Charlie is doing very well, too. He's growing, smiling and at his last check-up he was measured in the 96th percentile. We're just very grateful to MeritCare to have our family of four." Adds Michael: "We're blessed beyond belief that what could have been such an unhappy ending turned out the way it did. The care Char needed and the care Charlie needed — it was all there, in one place. We're so thankful."
To learn more about MeritCare Family Birth Center and NICU, call (701) 234-6904 or (800) 437-4010 or visit baby.meritcare.com.
Read more about the services available in the NICU in the Valley Health Journal Story "New NICU offers family-centered care."
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