The News
Mitch and I attended our 20-week ultrasound, excited to share some one-on-one time celebrating our baby boy. We were enjoying ourselves, chatting with the ultrasound technician — who, coincidentally, had gone to our high school. After a while, we noticed she was taking an unusually high number of images of the baby’s heart. She initially reassured us that this was routine. Having been through a 20-week ultrasound before, it felt a bit excessive — though she explained the baby was face-down and difficult to image clearly, so she wasn’t able to get all the necessary views.
She told us we’d need to come back for another appointment when the baby was in a better position. I asked if I should try some jumping jacks or if we could wait a bit longer, but she insisted we schedule a follow-up. As we were leaving, the receptionist told us this wasn’t uncommon, so we tried not to worry. Still, something in me felt off — my instincts were heightened.
By the time I got home, I received a call from the Hoag Maternal and Fetal Diagnostic Center. They were reaching out to schedule a fetal echocardiogram. I knew this wasn’t standard, and unfortunately, they later apologized for calling before I’d had a chance to speak with my doctor for context.
Shortly after, I heard from my doctor. They suspected a structural issue with Baby P’s arteries that could require surgery. We moved forward with scheduling the echocardiogram.
That night, I consulted Dr. Google, searching for possible diagnoses — from the least to the most concerning — based on the little information we had. The next day, we met with Dr. Kfir and his team at Hoag in Newport Beach. He gently confirmed what I had feared: our baby has a congenital heart condition called Transposition of the Great Arteries.
He explained that while our little guy is in utero and connected to the umbilical cord, his heart will function as needed. The most critical moment will come at birth, when the umbilical cord is cut and he needs to breathe on his own. Due to the structure of his arteries, his blood won’t be able to oxygenate properly. The surgery will involve switching the arteries so that oxygenated blood can flow correctly — allowing his heart to function as it should.
Absorbing this news was a lot for both Mitch and me to take in. But Dr. Kfir delivered the diagnosis with compassion and care. He answered every question and sat with us in our fear and tears. It was a moment I will always appreciate.
We’ve since been referred to CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange, where Baby P will be closely monitored for heart development and overall growth. I’ll deliver at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, right across the street from CHOC. Our doctors are planning for a typical labor, with the possibility of induction just before the 40-week mark. A scheduled C-section is not currently recommended, as recovering from typical birth will allow me to more quickly be present with our baby. A C-section is a major surgery with its own set of risks and longer recovery time.
After delivery, the medical team will work quickly to stabilize our baby. Our hope is to have some time with him before he is transferred to CHOC. I’ll remain at St. Joseph to recover, while Mitch and the baby head over to CHOC together. Mitch will be present as he undergoes an initial catheter procedure to support oxygen supply. Once I’m stable, I’ll join them.
Baby P’s open-heart surgery will take place somewhere between 3 and 12 days after birth, depending on his oxygen levels and overall stability. We’ve been told he will essentially “let us know” when he’s ready — both for surgery and eventually for going home.
We’ve been told that he won’t be able to breastfeed or have formula before surgery, as the intestines require oxygen to function properly, and he’ll need every bit he can get. He will be IV-fed until after the surgery, and once he’s recovered, we’ll begin the process of helping him learn how to feed on his own.
We’re preparing for a hospital stay of up to six weeks after birth — time for healing, growing, and helping our little boy learn to do all the “baby things” like eating on his own.
-Joyce