TWO PATIENTS IN ONE
YOUR PREGNANCY IS HIGH RISK Jamil ElFarra , MD , FACOG , MS , & Taha ElFarra
The pregnancy test is positive , and the couple is overwhelmed with joy about their first pregnancy . They come for their first prenatal visit and then suddenly they hear the words that no couple ever wants to hear . Their doctor informs them that there might be something wrong with their baby and they need to visit the maternal-fetal medicine specialist . The next few days are hard and the expecting parents are anxious and do not know what to expect . They have one question floating around in their head - is their unborn child going to be ok ?
There is a moment of silence as the high-risk doctor enters the room and the couple is apprehensive . As the doctor introduces herself and talks about the ultrasound findings , their fear slowly turns into reality . The doctor notices that the couple is unsure of what lies ahead . The doctor also knows the news being shared is not easy and wants to support and comfort the couple ’ s needs in these uncertain times . The mother is in tears , but what the couple does not realize is that it is difficult for the doctor too . One has to learn how to present frightening news and prepare emotionally for the burden that it carries .
But after a lengthy discussion and counseling , a plan is made . Despite the undesirable news , the couple is relieved as they now have answers . The couple realizes that they are in very good hands and discuss the events of the day , agreeing that it could be much worse as it seems like their daughter will be fine after surgery .
The ensuing months involve a lot of planning and meeting different sub-specialists including the pediatric surgeons and the NICU team that will take care of their child when it is born . They also meet a mom and her child who have gone through the same
experience . While they are sipping their coffee , they observe the 2-year-old playing and if the mother did not share her story , you would never know that this child went through surgery .
Over time a bond is built between the expectant mother and the high-risk pregnancy team ’ s office . She knows most of the staff by name and new friendships are built . The patient has an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with NICU in attendance , and a nurse taking a picture of the couple and their newborn baby . The baby is then transferred to the NICU . The mom feels lonely as this was different from how she had envisioned the birth of her child , once that pregnancy test was positive . A couple of hours after delivery , the mom visits her daughter , who is attached to monitors and IV lines . The emotional mother sheds a tear and is soon greeted by the compassionate NICU nurse who reassures her that her child will be fine . After two months of surgeries and countless doctors ’ visits , the journey is over and the parents can now sigh in relief , knowing that their daughter is going to be ok .
Stories similar to the one above are common in obstetrics , but also medicine as a whole . Patients seeking care are not just looking for excellent medical care , but they are also looking for compassionate emotional support as well . I am sure every health care worker reading this strives for that goal and can relate to these expectations . After all , isn ’ t this why we decided to join the health care system ? I have heard the phrase , “ I take excellent care of my patients and treat them like family ,” repeated numerous times . The question that lingers in my mind often is despite our good intentions and best efforts , are we truly taking care of our patient ’ s emotional needs ? Is that what the patient feels and how does my support come across to them ? Am I doing everything I can ? How can we balance our very busy schedules and still manage to give our patients what they expect and deserve through their difficult times ?
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