Jennifer Presti’s first pregnancy eight years ago was a dream. The entire birthing experience was problem-free, and the baby boy was born. So, a year later, when she and her husband, Arthur, decided to conceive again, they were full of hope and optimism.
That was until she experienced her first miscarriage, which would eventually soar to nine pregnancy losses through ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the central cavity of the uterus.
Her obstetrician chalked it up to fate, saying these things happen. “I was devastated,” says Jennifer, a luxury travel agent, 40 years old. “I was begging for answers. I wondered if I was doing something wrong. It was confusing, and my OB/GYN acted like he couldn’t care less.”
Dr. Rad identifies pregnancy blood clotting disorder
After yet another stillbirth, a friend suggested she see Dr. Rad, who was known for being detail-oriented and thoughtful. Jennifer was surprised at Dr. Rad’s quick response to her initial call.
“He brought me right in,” she says. “He set me up for my next pregnancy right then and there. He said the reason for my problems was blood clotting issues, so he put me on blood thinners (warfarin).”
Clotting disorders (where there is no coagulation) during pregnancy can increase the risk of blood clots forming in veins or arteries. This condition can pose increased risks to both the mother and the baby, including complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE), and pregnancy complications like preeclampsia (high blood pressure), Factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin gene mutation, obesity, thrombophilia, antiphospholipid syndrome, Protein C deficiency, decreased amniotic fluid, deficiency in antithrombin (blocks clotting factors), venous thromboembolism, recurrent miscarriage, being on bed rest, immobility, placental abruption and a family history of blood clots.
Risk factors include:
- Birth control pills or estrogen hormones.
- Being dehydrated.
Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online
Jen’s next pregnancy complication: marginal cord insertion
While trying to and eventually getting pregnant again during the next two years, Jennifer continued to see her personal OB/GYN. But when she began bleeding at the end of her first trimester, Jennifer quickly contacted Dr. Rad. The doctor met Jennifer at his office on a Saturday to confirm the heart rate was still there, prescribed her Progesterone, and gave her a Doppler ultrasound.
Progesterone is a crucial hormone during early pregnancy, playing several essential roles in supporting the development of embryos and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is often prescribed to women with a history of miscarriages.
By testing with an ultrasound, Dr. Rad discovered that Jennifer had a marginal insertion of the umbilical cord. Marginal cord insertion is a variation in the attachment of the umbilical cord to the placenta. In a normal pregnancy, the umbilical cord inserts into the central or near-central part of the placenta. However, in marginal umbilical cord placement, the umbilical cord attaches to the membrane of the placenta, and those blood vessels may bleed.
The condition may cause fetal growth restriction because of decreased blood flow and fewer nutrients to the fetus. There is also a higher risk of preterm labor.
“I’ve never met anyone so thorough as Dr. Rad,” says Jennifer. “At the time, I needed a Hail Mary, and he gave it to me.”
A breech position complicates matters
Dr. Rad saw early (second trimester) that the baby was breech. A breech baby is positioned with its buttocks or feet facing downwards in the uterus rather than the typical head-down (vertex) position. This can pose challenges for delivery and may necessitate special considerations for childbirth.
Dr. Rad gave Jennifer protein drinks to boost the baby’s nutrition. “He knew what to do,” she says. “No other doctor would have caught that.”
During one of her weekly visits in her third trimester before her due date, Dr. physically turned the baby so it was headfirst. However, by the time Jennifer’s water broke, the baby had flipped around again. Jennifer was admitted to the hospital for an emergency C-section (also known as a cesarean section), writhing in pain. Dr. Rad arrived before the anesthesiologist and administered a spinal epidural to make her comfortable. The anesthesiologist didn’t arrive until two hours later.
A healthy baby is born!
Delphina Grace, a healthy baby girl, was born weighing 5 pounds 8 ounces (no NICU required). “The experience was incredible. We can’t imagine not having Dr. Rad and his team on our side,” she says, “We wouldn’t have our daughter if it weren’t for them.”
When Jennifer awoke at midnight in the hospital after giving birth, she opened her eyes to see Dr. Rad visiting her. “He cares so much for his patients. He’s selfless,” she says. “He gives everyone so much love and attention.”
So, after nine shocking miscarriages, Jennifer has two beautiful children, 8 and 5 months. After her post-birth visits, Jennifer was sorry to go. “I was sad to go after my last appointment,” she says. “They’ve become like family.”
Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online
Why trust Dr. Rad with your high-risk pregnancy?
Expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies worldwide are finding their way to Dr. Steve Rad’s Beverley Hills offices. Dr. Rad is recognized as one of the premier healthcare providers for high-risk pregnancy and maternal-fetal medicine.
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist (perinatologist) receives a traditional obstetrics and gynecology education but with an additional three years of training to treat medical complications and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Rad treats pregnant women with a full range of abnormalities, including vasa previa, placenta accreta (adherent placenta), placenta increta, placenta percreta (invasive placenta), velamentous cord insertion, and placenta previa.
Call (844) 473-6100 or schedule your consultation online. We are currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Rad offers in-home prenatal care and a fly-in program for out-of-town and international patients. He travels to patients who need him throughout the U.S. and worldwide and offers virtual consultations, follow-ups, and checkups.
