Monday, January 07, 2008

A sonogram's sobering stillness

My eyes didn't want to blink fearing I'd miss the expected movement on the screen. But there was none to see. When you are pregnant, bleeding can be an ominous sign. So once I got to the doctor's office, he quickly ordered a sonogram. Unlike my first procedure there was no anticipation of joy. Dread had a grip on me as I bellied up to the machine. Scheduled sonograms are often eagerly anticipated. Expectant moms and dads can drag in grandmothers, siblings and friends to view the baby bouncing around in the womb. But during my first miscarriage those sound waves showed me something I didn't want to see. I think doctor's call it a non-viable pregnancy. I call it heartbreak. All the hopes of a giving birth to a healthy child were stuck on that screen. Although my experiences came about nine years ago, a dear friend is reeling from the images formed by sound waves bouncing off the baby boy growing inside her. His hands and feet are fused, spina bifida is present and doctors suspect brain abnormalities. She has no plans to terminate the pregnancy. "Why should I refuse God's gift just because it isn't perfect," is her attitude. Instead, she and her husband are joining forces with family and friends in prayer. Believing in miracles, they are determined to pray for baby Josiah for at least 21 straight days. They know God works all things for good for those who love and serve Him and are called according to his purpose. They are not willing for this child to perish for lack of faith.
- Liz

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Liz - that family is in our prayers. My wife and I know what it is like to get heartbreaking news through a sonogram. This family will also be in our prayers. We know that God can do mighty things.

Liz said...

Thank you "understanding dad." I'm sure that will mean a lot to the family. The mom said she was going to find a thousand people to intercede in prayer if she had to.
- Liz

Anonymous said...

Today it has been 2 months since my ultrasound and D&C for a "missed" miscarriage. Your description is right on and in mine, I knew before anyone said a word as I've worked with ultrasounds for years. It's still hard to wrap my brain around 60 days later.
Liz, I am sorry for your loss years ago and I will keep this family in my thoughts and prayers as well

Unknown said...

I will keep this family in my thoughts and prayers. Miracles can and do happen every day.

Anonymous said...

Let me just say miracles do happen! I am 8 months pregnant, but it has been far from perfect.

1st- when I found out I was pregnant at 8 weeks, my doctor told me not to get excited because she thought I was miscarring the baby because I was spotting real bad and had bad side cramps. Good new was, everything was fine.

2nd- I woke up in the middle of the night bleeding profusely, and again thought I was miscarring. Went to the emergancy room, had an ultrasound done, everything was fine.

3rd- had a tri-level test screen and it came back for Downs Syndrome. I was given a 50/50 chance of it (which was the hightest this doctor had ever seen). Had an ambiosyntisis, all came out normal!

So, like I said I'm now at 8 months and everthing is looking good, but it has been a mentally rough pregnancy, and many many prayers have been said.

I feel for your pain and heartbreak, and I will now prey for you. But just know everything in life happens for a reason, and a live baby is a miracle in itself no matter what 'form' they come in...