Taking uncertainty out of the equation .
Taking uncertainty out of the equation .
One year after Meaghan Cutrell-Barker and her husband , Derrick , decided to try for a baby , she became pregnant . “ We were excited and overwhelmed with gratitude and blessing ,” Meaghan said .
But , that joy came with a side of unease . Meaghan had chronic hypertension , which put her at risk for preeclampsia , a life-threatening disorder that can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy and into the postpartum period . Symptoms include a rapid rise in blood pressure , protein in the urine , and swelling in the hands and feet . Meaghan wanted an OB / GYN within the AHN network who could deliver at AHN Forbes Hospital . Derrick ’ s uncle , a retired OB / GYN , recommended she call AHN East Suburban OB / GYN Associates — which is how she met Sadie Ackerman , MD , Obstetrics and Gynecology .
“ I have absolute faith in all the doctors I saw there , but I had an instant and genuine connection with her ,” Meaghan said . “ She actively listened to me , helped me with my anxieties , and put me at ease . I was hopeful that she would be the one to deliver when the time came .” Dr . Ackerman put Meaghan on daily baby aspirin and , Meaghan ’ s pregnancy progressed without incident — until the 24th week , when her blood pressure skyrocketed . “ Dr . Ackerman supported me through that ,” she said . “ My pre-pregnancy blood pressure medication was no longer doing what it needed to , so she recommended a different one . It worked .” Then , at her 30th week , Meaghan experienced pre-term spotting . “ The doctor on call recommended we go to the labor and delivery room within the emergency room at AHN Forbes ,” she said . “ We got right in , and they monitored me and assessed the severity .”
After collaborating with the high-risk doctors at AHN West Penn Hospital , Meaghan was sent home with an after-care plan that included twice-a-week appointments for specialized ultrasounds and nonstress tests . A preterm induction was scheduled for November 25 , which would have been Meaghan ’ s 37th week . But on November 16 , Meaghan ’ s blood pressure skyrocketed again . She went directly to AHN Forbes , and the attending doctor started the induction process . The next day , Meaghan brought baby Malachi into the world , with Dr . Ackerman at her side .
“ Derrick and I had excellent support throughout this life-changing experience ,” Meaghan said . “ We both appreciate the entire labor and delivery team at Forbes — especially Dr . Ackerman . Her ability to stay calm helped us stay calm . We can ’ t be grateful enough .”
“ I felt at ease with all the doctors there . They all collaborated with each other . I knew I was in expert hands .”
— Meaghan Cutrell-Barker