This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast I have a birth story to share with you. I want to give a content warning for this episode because we do talk about child loss. If this subject could trigger you, please skip this episode and tune in next week.
Shea’s daughter was diagnosed with Trisomy 13, which was found at a genetic screening in the first trimester. Trisomy 13 is a genetic disorder caused by an extra 13th chromosome. This extra chromosome can cause severe mental and physical problems. Unfortunately, this diagnosis is usually associated with a short life expectancy, and some babies are not even born alive.
Trisomy 13 occurs in around 1 in 7,400 pregnancies. So it’s pretty rare. Your risk of trisomy 13 does go up as you age, but really, you can have a baby with trisomy 13, or any genetic anomaly at any age.
Even though this specific diagnosis is rare, I wanted to have Shea share her story on the podcast this week about what it’s like to receive a life-limiting diagnosis during pregnancy and how to navigate that journey.
About Shea
Shea is a stay-at-home mother of four; a four-year-old daughter, two-year-old son, a newborn daughter, and a daughter who passed away at five months old due to trisomy 13.
Shea and her family spend lots of time outdoors enjoying the Vermont weather and staying active with many different activities like boating, snowmobiling, and walks.
Shea hopes to bring awareness to trisomy 13 by sharing her story and hopes that others that have walked, or are walking a similar path, can stand up for their family and receive the care and treatment they deserve.
