Choosing life & Trusting God

When I was pregnant with my second child, I couldn’t wait to find out if our daughter would be getting a little brother or sister. I scheduled an early 3D ultrasound at just 16 weeks along. We were full of anticipation and excitement to be growing our little family.

The day of our appointment felt so peaceful. The studio was beautiful, unlike the sterile hospital setting I was used to. Worship music played softly in the background — something that was unusual for the area we lived at the time, but it felt like a quiet reminder of God’s presence. My first pregnancy had been smooth and uncomplicated, so I assumed this one would be similar. I climbed onto a cozy, oversized bed for the ultrasound, comforted by the warm atmosphere. But that peace was soon replaced by concern. The technician — who also owned the studio — became quiet, her face clouded with worry. I asked her gently, “Is everything okay?” She paused, then said she needed to call my doctor. There was fluid around the baby’s abdomen, and her heart rate was fluctuating dangerously. It was late in the day, and our doctor’s office had already closed — so we went home with heavy hearts, praying and trying to hold onto hope until we could be seen the next morning.

Early the next day, we were called in for another ultrasound at the hospital. I still hoped it had been a mistake. But it wasn’t. The doctor found more fluid — not just in her abdomen, but around her heart and in her feet as well. Our baby had developed fetal hydrops, a rare and serious condition.

That doctor was a specialist in high-risk pregnancies, and he didn’t sugarcoat it. He told us our baby girl, who we had already named Allie, had a very slim chance of survival.

Then he said something I remember so clearly:

“Because we live in the great state of Pennsylvania, termination is an option. You don’t have to put yourself through this.”

But I knew in my heart that I couldn't take that path. No matter how small the chance, it was still a chance. It was not my place to take that away from our daughter. I told him I would carry her and I was determined to be grateful for every moment God gave me with her.

We went home and shared our situation with friends, family, and our church community. The

response was overwhelming — prayer, encouragement, meals, and so much love. One evening we met with friends for dinner and to pray for our baby - specifically for healing — and one friend boldly asked God that at our next ultrasound, all the fluid in her body would be gone.

Each week, we returned to our doctor for heart checks. And week after week, Allie’s heart

stayed strong. Her heartbeat was steady — not high or low - and it was our first glimmer of hope in the midst of so much uncertainty. It wasn’t an easy time. But even through all of the unknown, I began to feel a deep peace that didn’t make sense except that I knew it was from God.

Then, finally, after 4 long weeks, the day came for the follow-up. It was a snowy December

morning, but we weren’t going to let anything stop us from getting there. We made it safely and as I laid on the exam table, I had quietly decided not to ask any questions but to just wait to hear from the doctor. But my husband didn’t share my patience. Almost immediately he blurted out, “So… how does the fluid look?”

The technician blinked, then looked back at the screen.

“Actually… I’m not seeing any fluid,” she said.

The doctor came in shortly after, just as puzzled.

“Your baby's prognosis,” he said slowly, “has gone from fatal… to good.”

He looked almost embarrassed as he kept repeating, “I’m sorry. I just have no explanation for this.” But we didn't need an explanation. We had one: God had performed a miracle.

We gave Allie the middle name Grace because it was by God’s grace that she survived. She was born two days after my birthday. Today, she’s a healthy, spunky seven-year-old who loves ballet, giggling with her friends and most importantly, Allie loves Jesus and is always eager to share the love of Christ with everyone she knows.

Looking back, I believe one of the biggest reasons I was able to stand firm and choose life was because I didn’t have to walk that road alone. Although I already had strong pro life convictions, I also had so many people surrounding me with love, prayer, and support.

And that’s why the work we do at First Source for Women matters so deeply. I know from personal experience that when a woman sees her baby on an ultrasound and knows that people are walking with her, offering care and support it changes everything.

She’s more empowered to choose life because she knows she’s not alone and that’s so important because Allie’s story may be unique to us but she isn’t the only miracle baby.

Every life is a miracle.