Devon, born 2007

We thought we were going in for a routine ultrasound (at 18 1/2 weeks) but the technician brought the doctor in and told us that there appeared to be a problem with our baby's heart. A follow-up fetal echocardiogram determined that our baby had critical pulmonic stenosis. We were devastated but the doctors at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York reassured us that once our baby had a balloon valvuloplasty procedure done right after birth, he/she should go on to live a normal life.

 

Devon was born on April 20, 2007. She had the balloon valvuloplasty procedure done about 12 hours after birth, and had to stay in the NICU for 10 days. We brought her home the day after my original due date. Thanks to Dr. Kleinman (who helped us before the birth) and Dr. Torres (who performed the procedure that saved her life), Devon is doing great today.

 

Also, we are expecting our second child in mid-December 2008. We were warned that our chances for having another child with a heart defect was increased. However, we recently had the 20 week ultrasound and fetal echocardiogram and are so happy and feel so blessed that our baby appears to be healthy.

 

UPDATE 2010: Devon is doing great and she goes for annual EKGs to check her heart. The balloon valvuloplasty she had right after birth is doing its job to keep the valve open, and she is cleared for all activities.

 

Story by Devon's mom, Martina - New Jersey