Suzan Akkayaoglu and Andy Tan had a delightful and easy pregnancy with their first daughter, Lara. Tragically, after Lara, Suzan experienced two miscarriages back to back in the second trimester.
About 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, but no one expects to experience one themselves. While it can be disheartening, recurrent miscarriage doesn’t have to be the end of one’s pregnancy journey.
Suzan’s first early miscarriage
At the beginning of their journey, Suzan and Andy’s first child was now 6. They had recently moved from New York and were under the care of a new OB/GYN near Brea.
“We were thinking everything was going to be normal like the first time,” says Suzan, 38, adding that pregnancy loss was the furthest thing from her mind.
During the second trimester, Suzan‘s water broke. She waited an hour for the gushing to stop, but it continued. This was a Monday night.
On Tuesday, she saw her doctor who told her she’d had a miscarriage.
Suzan’s doctor then performed a dilation and curettage (D&C).
The miscarriage story continues
About a year later, Suzan and Andy became pregnant again. They remained with their OB/GYN and visited her every three to four weeks. The doctor suggested that the cause of Suzan’s miscarriage was a weak cervix.
“She never said to fix my cervix, and nothing was done,” says Suzan. “I’m not sure why she didn’t take any precautions.”
Suzan took it extremely easy during this pregnancy. However, at around 20 weeks she miscarried again.
“I freaked out,” she says. “It really hit me. That delivery affected me the most. It was tough to get past that.”
Pregnant again, Suzan finds Dr. Rad
Suzan was determined to find an expert, compassionate doctor during her next pregnancy.
“I was quite desperate, to say the least,” says Suzan, who found Dr. Rad after searching the web and reading rave reviews. “I needed a high-risk specialist doctor. We didn’t even think twice.”
So, one Sunday night, Suzan began the process by leaving a message at the office saying she would like to make an appointment with Dr. Rad. A few minutes later — 8 pm on a Sunday night — Dr. Rad called back.
“I said, ‘Oh my God, I’m so surprised you are calling me back’,” remembers Suzan, who didn’t even know the doctor. “This is the doctor I need to see.”
A new beginning with Dr. Rad and his caring team
Suzan was immediately impressed by the women who work in Dr. Rad’s office: Brittany RDMS, Lead Perinatal Ultrasound Practitioner; Alysa, Patient Coordinator; and Laurice, Medical Assistant.
“The way they help patients is different,” she says. “The ultrasounds are very detailed. They check everything. The team wants to know that the fetus and mom are safe.”
Suzan and Andy traveled 39 miles from Brea to Beverly Hills each week.
“It was tough driving in LA traffic,” she says. “But we wanted to know we were in good hands.”
And then the unthinkable happened. She endured another early pregnancy loss.
As heartbreaking as it was, Suzan says that, unlike her former OB/GYN, Dr. Rad was sympathetic and offered her hope.
“It’s a healthy loss,” he said. “Being stressed about it doesn’t help. We’ll see what happens.” Dr. Rad stressed the importance of mental health in a successful pregnancy.
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The fourth pregnancy is a success
When Susan had a positive pregnancy test, Dr. Rad advised her to take it extremely easy for the first trimester to prevent another pregnancy loss. During this time, Suzan had weekly ultrasounds. Dr. Rad uses innovative 3D and 4D high-definition ultrasound technology available in only a few places worldwide.
Dr. Rad also performed blood tests to track Suzan’s Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) levels. Also known as the “pregnancy hormone,” hCG levels can indicate how a pregnancy is progressing.
The doctor also dealt with Suzan’s weak cervix. This condition is where the cervix dilates (widens) and effaces (thins) prematurely during pregnancy, often in the second trimester. This can lead to premature birth or loss of the pregnancy if not appropriately managed.
Dr. Rad performed a cervical cerclage, placing two stitches into the cervix to close and reinforce it until the baby was ready to be born. The stitches would be removed when it was time for Suzan to give birth.
At week 13, Dr. Rad exuded confidence.
“We’re gonna keep the baby this time, don’t worry,” he said and gave Suzan progesterone for extra safety. Progesterone helps to promote a suitable environment for fertilized eggs. When progesterone levels are low, it’s harder for a fertilized egg to develop and grow.
Leaving nothing to chance, Andy developed superstitions. He called examination room three the “good luck” room, and they requested it each time. The team was happy to accommodate them. They also made their daughter accompany them on each visit for luck.
“We were crazy at that point,” says Suzan.
Brittany took an ultrasound each weekly visit, which Dr. Rad paid close attention to.
“Each visit lasted an hour,” Suzan says.
A delightful birthing experience
A C-section was scheduled. The two cerclage stitches were removed.
“I didn’t trust my cervix at that point,” says Suzan, adding that they booked an Airbnb close to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to avoid the hectic drive.
The two of them stayed at the Airbnb for 11 days, waiting for birth on its timetable. But after that time, they called Dr. Rad and told him they were going home. He questioned whether Suzan could make the long trip from Brea when she was in labor, but Suzan thought it was doable.
However, one day before her scheduled C-section, Suzan began having cramps and wanted to give birth immediately over the weekend. Dr. Rad met them at Cedars, performed a C-section, and healthy baby Lucas came into the world at 7.3 pounds.
“We finally had our triple rainbow baby,” gushes Suzan.
A true success story.
A relationship of mutual admiration
Even after Lucas’ birth, Suzan continues to chat with Dr. Rad, Brittany, Alysa, and Laurice.
“There’s no way they could know the amount of joy they’ve brought me,” says an emotional Suzan. “I can’t find the right words. I’m extremely grateful for the care that I received. I wish I would have gone to him sooner.”
To say that Dr. Rad profoundly respects Suzan would be an understatement.
“Suzan’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity are truly inspiring,” says Dr. Rad. “Despite experiencing heartbreak, she showed remarkable strength and determination by choosing to pursue her last pregnancy. Her bravery is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family and unshakeable hope for a brighter future.”
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. Los Angeles Magazine has named the doctor a top maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Los Angeles for six years.
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.
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. Dr. Rad travels to patients who need him throughout the U.S. and worldwide. The doctor offers virtual consultations worldwide.
Call (844) 473-6100 or click here to schedule online
