CHAPTER 56 - THE RISKY PREGNANCY
The Physician is holding the clipboard while the Nurse is holding a tray with empty test tubes placed on the test tube rack that has four holes.
“Hi. Courtney, we meet so soon.” The Doctor greeted.
“Hi Claudia, this is my fiancé Ben Venoso.” Courtney introduced them.
“I’m Doctor Sartori, your fiancée’s Obstetrician since her first prenatal visit. Nice to meet you Mr. Venoso.” Doctor Satori extended her hand.
“Same here, looking forward to see you for our next appointment.” Ben accepted the handshake.
“How are you feeling now Courtney?” Doctor Sartori checked her monitor.
“I’m feeling alright now although before I fainted, I had this stomach pain is that normal?” Courtney answered truthfully.
“Can you rate the pain you experienced from 1 being the lowest, 3 for mild and 5 for strong pain?” The Physician took the clipboard.
“I could say 3.” She answered instantly.
“Mild stomach pains and cramps are common during the first 12 weeks is usually caused by your womb expanding, he ligaments stretching as your bump grows, hormones constipation or trapped wind.” The Doctor explained.
“How often do you encounter that pain?” The Doctor analyzed.
“Just today, why was it bad?” She wanted to know to make her aware.
“Not sure yet since you just brought that up.” Doctor checked her vitals on the screen.
“So, Claudia what exactly happened to me?” She inquisitively asked.
“I have two scenarios for you the good and bad, which one you would like to hear first?” Doctor Sartori gave options.
“Bad and please skip the sugar coating, just the truth.” Courtney talked in professional way.
“Very well, will be honest with you, based on the symptoms you just mentioned and the bleeding you had, there is a possibility that you’re having an ectopic pregnancy.” The Physician slowly broke the news.
“I don’t understand but we did the ultrasound.” Courtney stated the specific test they had.
“There are some cases that ultrasound can’t detect that that’s why we are going to run some test for you to make sure we get the accurate results.” Doctor Sartori explained.
“Ectopic? Ultrasound? What are those?” Ben couldn’t help but asked.
“Ectopic pregnancy is when fertilized egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it won't develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues. Ultrasound is a laboratory test using a device like wand that was placed on the patient’s body to record a soundwave that can create image inside the body.” The Doctor defined in scientific terms making Ben more confused.
“In layman’s term the baby is going to grow outside the womb which is dangerous because it could lead to termination of pregnancy. Ultrasound is a test to examine the baby inside in this case.” The Nurse help Ben understood.
“What about the good news Claudia?” Courtney probed.
“There is also a big chance that it’s not an ectopic pregnancy considering your stress level and the low blood pressure that you have because of your workload these past few days. Those factors are the ones that we are not ruling out that can affect your pregnancy.” The Doctor’s voice became light.
“What do we need to do Doctor?” She worriedly responds.
“We can start with the blood test now and after that we will do the ultrasound again. Most common diagnostic is through transvaginal ultrasound; its process wherein we need to insert a small device on her vagina but given the circumstances, we recommend repeating the ultrasound but this time we need blood samples to get accurate results.” The Doctor made sure the explanation is easy to understand for Ben’s comprehension.
“How soon are we going to get the results?” Ben interferes.
“The results will be by tomorrow morning for both tests.” Doctor Sartori scribbled on her note.
“What will happen if the tests confirmed the result as ectopic?” Ben is now thinking of the outcome.
“We have to terminate the pregnancy because pregnancy is fatal for the baby and the mother’s life as well.” The Physician frankly stated.
“Was there any cases that the baby survives? If so, what are the chances and are there any other options aside from termination?” His tone is mixed with fear and hope.
“The baby will not survive outside the uterus and up until now there is no scientific procedure that can move the embryo into the uterus.” Doctor Sartori gave the facts.
“Let’s get this test over with so we can have a peace of mind, besides there is still a chance that it could be wrong.” Ben looked at the bright side in spite of all the information he got.
“Let’s start the lab tests to determine the status of my pregnancy.” Courtney showed her arm to the standby Nurse.
The Nurse marched towards Courtney’s bed and prepared the needle to poke the inside of the elbow wherein she will take blood sample since veins are easily noticeable.
“Take a deep breath.” The Nurse instructed before proceeding to her task.
She grasped Courtney’s arm firmly using a thumb to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein. The Nurse swiftly inserted the needle through the skin into the lumen of the vein. The needle should form a 15-30 degree angle with the arm surface to get the amount of blood needed.
“I’ll see you tomorrow after the test results.” The Doctor informed them.
At that moment, the rest of family shows up including Nicolo and Nathalia and heard Courtney’s statement.
“I will be returning later to take you for the ultrasound; please drink water and do not go to toilet until after the scan.” The Nurse instructed them after taking the blood sample.
As soon as the Physician and the Nurse were gone, they faces of their family can tell that they are worried and doesn’t know what is going on since they were told that Courtney is now recovered.
“Why do you need lab test for?” Nathalia went over to Courtney’s side.
“Is everything okay with the baby?” Mrs. Venoso also questioned the couple.
“Tell us what’s happening tesoro.” Mrs. Montini grabbed her daughter’s hand.
Courtney and Ben nodded as a sign that they have to tell them the truth so their families and relatives will be aware of the current situation. Everyone were quiet and gave their opinions but mostly they prayed that the results will be negative so they can all finally relax and have peace in mind specially for the new parents.
