Beating the odds

My husband and I are overjoyed when we found out we were pregnant last March 21. I had another check up last April 2 and was told that my pregnancy may not continue due to slow growth of my baby. Although it wasn't certain, just the thought of my doctor bringing it up made our hearts sink. She asked to see me four days later to check the progress. We were devastated. We cried all day for the next two days. But I knew God will help us so we prayed and prayed for a miracle.

I have not filed my SSS maternity notification yet and there is already an impending miscarriage. I was on leave for a week and couldn't file it yet. Also, my doctor wasn't able to give me a formal report of my pregnancy because she does the ultrasound and interprets it herself so it is only a handwritten document that may not be acceptable to SSS.

I decided to get a formal ultrasound report from another clinic after two days from receiving the bad news. To my surprise, I saw my baby on the screen, and it was so much bigger than the scan two days ago. The sonologist also told me to hold my breath so she can catch my baby's heartbeat. I was like, really? My baby already has a heartbeat??? She told me that the heart rate was only 104.53 beats per minute. A viable pregnancy should have at least 120 bpm. Nevertheless, I was elated. My baby has a beating heart and no matter what the doctor said about the ideal range, I didn't mind it that much. My baby is alive!

As I was heading out, I remembered to ask for a photo so I can show my husband since the complete results will be released the next day. The doctor said, "Congratulations!" and took it back saying that I should come back next week to see if the heart rate has improved, only then can she congratulate me. I smiled and eagerly walked away and called my husband and my mom.

When I went in for my follow-up check up, my doctor was not concerned about the size of my baby. She is now concerned of my high blood sugar because if not controlled, it could lead to miscarriage so she put me on four weeks bed rest. My boss is very supportive of my pregnancy and I couldn't be more grateful.

I am now monitoring my blood glucose levels everyday and ensuring I eat right. I always knew in my heart that my baby is a fighter. We will keep beating the odds together until the day he/she is born.