30 Days of Hope | Santiago

"We didn’t get to experience all the joys that came with our pregnancy, and being pregnant during the pandemic made things harder.

At roughly 7.5wks I started to experience heavy bleeding with no answers and was told I’d likely miscarry.
We later found out I had experienced Twin Vanishing Syndrome, my ultrasound would show an empty gestational sac and the other twin (Santiago)

Our NIPT results came back with T18, and I was referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine for follow up. During my first visit with MFM I was told Santiago would have a list of complications; we were told Rocker Bottom foot was noted, possible heart issues, kidney issues and I also had Oligohydramnios. If I would continue with my pregnancy I would likely have a still birth or preeclampsia. I was advised to come in weekly for NST monitoring. At a few days shy of 26wks, I went into L&D after feeling like I had peed myself.

I had PPROM at 26wks exactly and was given Magnesium and steroids to help his lungs and brain. I spent 6wks in L&D - at 31+6wks I started having some abdominal discomfort and my blood work would show early signs of infection due to prolonged PPROM. Our little one was born at 32wks exactly, at 3.14lbs and I remember the first thing I asked was “how’s his foot!?!”

Santiago spent about 6 more weeks in the NICU growing, under blue lights and learning to eat and overcoming anemia. We were finally discharged and our post NICU journey continued at home with doctor visits, and needing a cranial helmet due to Plagiocephaly. Santiago needed physical therapy which he received for almost 2 years to help strengthen his muscles and help him walk (and run). He also had an infant teacher to help him communicate.

3 years later and we have a “Threenager” as he calls himself, full of personality and so curious about life. Who enjoys dinosaur museums, loves watching his favorite movie, Cars. Who enjoys the outdoors and of course wrestling both of us at home." NICU Mama, Maria