To listen to this episode, and more than 300 other birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter group here!

Pregnancy Loss and Working with High Risk OBGYN

Erika began her pregnancy journey fairly easily, and discovered she was pregnant the very first month she and her husband, Dan, decided to start trying. After some bleeding and cramping at 6 weeks, this pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, followed by a D&C at 9 weeks. Due to some abnormal blood-work, Erika’s OB suggested she see a rheumatologist before trying to conceive again, which kicked off a year of doctor visits and trying to find answers in order to prevent another loss. After being medicated for mild Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, suspected Lupus, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome, she felt confident in beginning to try for another pregnancy.

The second pregnancy came at the exact same time of year as the last one and ended at the same time of year as well. At the 7 week ultrasound, there was no heartbeat found, and the pregnancy was terminated by using misoprostol. Erika decided to meet with a High Risk OBGYN to discuss loss prevention and a quick two months later, she was pregnant again, with her now first child.

Placenta Previa and bleeding episodes at 33 weeks

Erika’s third pregnancy started off perfectly normal until the 20 weeks ultrasound when she first heard mention of her placenta covering the opening of the cervix. After being told repeatedly not to worry because 99.5% of low-lying placentas move by the third trimester, it was confirmed at 28 weeks that her placenta previa was central and would likely not be going anywhere. A scheduled cesarean was a must.

After two episodes of severe bleeding at 33 weeks, Erika was hospitalized and taken to have an emergency cesarean. The cesarean went smoothly, but baby had to be taken to the NICU and the next day, Erika needed a blood transfusion. Her journey to parenthood started with 2 weeks in the NICU and lots of pumping; but, once baby came home they both recovered very quickly. After some trial and error, Erika and her baby boy happily transitioned to exclusive breastfeeding and lots of snuggling at home.

preemie 33 weeks

Erika Cazeneuve Bio

Erika lives in Long Island, New York with her super supportive husband, Dan, their sweet baby boy, and their two lovable cats Frankie and Moo. Erika and Dan both own their own business as Live Event Artists, Erika Event Painting, and Captured on Canvas. They each paint weddings (and other special events) live on canvas, creating a work of art for the bride and groom to take home with them. Erika has a great passion for travel and is so excited to discover the world together with her husband and their little one. You can connect with Erika on Instagram @erikaeventpainting and Facebook.

Resources

Know Your Options Childbirth Course
Back-2-Work Breastfeeding Course
Babylist
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Happiest Baby on the Block
MamaNatural Week by Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth

Optimized by Optimole