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A Perfect Heart - by Ann Fairbairn, Prenatal Coordinator

I am a worrier, so when I meet someone who can take life’s stresses with an attitude of peacefulness and calm, I am in awe. Many of the prenatal patients we see here possess a level of faith in God , and a resulting peace, that I am envious of. I was reminded of that recently as we dealt with a patient’s situation.

Julie was pregnant for the second time, and during her routine ultrasound, a problem with the baby was detected. The baby appeared to have a 3 chambered heart, instead of the normal 4 chambers. This has serious consequences for the baby, if he/she survives the delivery. The next step was to refer Julie to a perinatologist for a follow up ultrasound study targeting the baby’s heart. We have a wonderful doctor to refer patients to, but specialty services are very expensive. Julie was given an appointment, and knew that it would cost $600 for the study. The appointment was set for 3 weeks later, when the baby’s heart would be bigger and easier to evaluate by ultrasound. All of this was explained to Julie, and her questions were answered. I promised her that I would be praying for her baby, and for Julie. She replied that she was also praying.

Since the visit with the specialist was not for 3 weeks, we saw Julie several more times. She was concerned, but not anxious, and talked about depending on God. Her last visit here at the clinic was with the OB who had done the first ultrasound, and he decided to repeat the ultrasound here. The ultrasound showed a perfectly normal 4 chambered heart, in the right position in the baby’s chest! We cancelled the appointment with the perinatologist, and rejoiced with Julie and her husband.

We’ll never know if the first ultrasound was mistaken, or if another chamber was created. I choose to believe that God made this baby’s heart whole and healthy to honor the prayers of his/her mother and the others who were praying.