Mom Urged to Terminate Pregnancy as Baby Probably Won't Breathe Unaided – Now She Defies Predictions

A couple was devastated when a scan revealed that their unborn baby had health conditions that would prevent her from living "a normal life." Doctors gave them a heartbreaking suggestion.

Michelle and Michael Bower were eager to start a family and tried for a baby for two years before they had any luck. In 2019, the West Lafayette, Indiana couple was thrilled when they discovered they were expecting.

Four months passed, and Michelle's bump was growing steadily. She was looking forward to being a mother and had already formed a deep connection with her unborn child. However, everything changed during their 20-week scan.

SHE CRIED HER EYES OUT

The couple received news no parents wanted to hear, and they were shocked when doctors made a heartbreaking suggestion—aborting their infant. Michelle was terrified about the future, and she cried her eyes out.

Despite these heightened emotions, the brave mom told doctors that termination was not an option for them. The parents-to-be could not fathom losing the child they had already grown to love.

IT WAS A NIGHTMARE

Their infant had spina bifida, and doctors predicted that she would not be able to breathe unaided or lead a "normal life." The couple found out they were having a baby girl the day before the life-altering diagnosis.

Michelle said: "We wanted a girl. We went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in under 24 hours. It was a complete and utter nightmare, but we still had hope."

THE LENGTHY SURGERY

They hoped their baby would be born with a less severe form of the spinal condition and persevered through the rest of the pregnancy. The couple researched options to help their baby girl and were informed about fetal surgery.

The mom-to-be stated: "It sounded completely insane and unfathomable for our financial circumstances and obligations at home." Despite this, they made a plan and followed through with the lengthy procedure on April 27, 2020.

A HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE

Michelle called it the most horrifying experience she ever endured. Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and Michelle was put on bed rest for the final three months of her pregnancy.

In July 2020, baby Lacey Grace was welcomed into the world and rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Via a screen in the delivery room, the mother could see something was wrong. She shared: "I was so sad for her and afraid."

A LIFE WORTH LIVING

The baby spent 18 days in the NICU and was monitored closely for three months. However, something incredible happened over time as Lacey began to move her ankles and big toe. By the 19-month mark, she could roll, sit and pull herself up.

While there is still a long road ahead, the couple is blessed to be her parents. They revealed that she is doing far more than the doctors said possible, and Michelle added: "Life with a disabled person is a life worth living."

ANOTHER MOTHER IGNORED DOCTORS

Sadly, many mothers face difficulties during pregnancy, and doctors often offer them advice that they disagree with. For Harriett Blakey, termination was not an option. The mom-to-be was led to believe her unborn baby was dying.

However, she proceeded with the pregnancy and gave birth in London last year. Baby Poppy was diagnosed with Down syndrome, but her parents do not view the condition as a burden—the little girl is their greatest gift!

Harriet and Michelle shared their stories to encourage other parents. While doctors can offer helpful advice, the mothers believe pregnant women must follow their hearts.