Health! We toast to it on birthdays, New Year's, and special milestones. But health isn't guaranteed, and even maternal instinct can lead us astray. I know this firsthand from 2008, a year filled with joy—and unexpected twists.
Mother's Day 2008: A positive pregnancy test reveals our second child. This pregnancy mirrors my first—mild symptoms, minimal weight gain, a perfect belly. My maternal instinct surges; I feel invincible, savoring every moment. Until the 34-week ultrasound…
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The ultrasound reveals a dilated renal pelvis—common in pregnancies, especially boys. It could signal urinary tract issues like obstruction or reflux, but often resolves naturally.
At nearly 37 weeks, a follow-up ultrasound shows no improvement. Though monitored closely, my optimism holds: this smooth pregnancy must end well. Maternal instinct insists. But post-scan, shopping joy halts with a call from the obstetrician: come in immediately.
The news: bilateral dilated renal pelvises persist. Post-birth resolution is likely, but hospital delivery is required for monitoring urination and immediate ultrasounds. A week later, another scan, as newborns get less fluid initially.
Ten days overdue, our robust Max arrives at over 4 kilos, seemingly healthy.
Next morning's ultrasound awaits the pediatrician's report, delayed. Hormones raging, I press a nurse: clearance to go home, just start preventive antibiotics.
After a blissful maternity week, a 10-day check-up ultrasound precedes the visit. Expecting good news…
“Good afternoon, sit down. Straight to it: Max's dilation remains severe. Admit to a university hospital immediately.”
Shock! The pink cloud shatters. The initial pediatrician erred in discharging us. We choose Maastricht University Hospital, 100km away—hubby's Limburg ties. Pack hastily; Max enters medium care, we stay at Ronald McDonald House.
Unforeseen. Daughter to grandparents. At Max's bedside, tears flow, breasts full. Instinct betrayed me, breeding doubt.
Pediatrician and radiologist assess; little said beyond eat, rest, breastfeed. Babies need quiet; our constant presence discouraged. Leaving him was agonizing, despite the caring staff.
Our adjacent Ronald McDonald room saves nights: nurse calls for feeds, quick corridor walks amid solitude and tears.
A week in, breastfeeding wanes from stress. Good news: discharge. Dilation and thickened bladder persist, cause unknown. Home with antibiotics, guidelines, follow-ups. Instinct? Wary now.
Max thrives: antibiotics swallowed, formula gulped, peeing abundantly.
Regular Maastricht visits: blood/urine tests, BP, ultrasounds. Invasive: renogram, micturition cystogram assess kidney/bladder function. Renogram and Micturition Cystogram
Renogram: IV radioactive fluid, scanned video—immobility key.
Micturition cystogram: catheter contrast, X-rays during voiding.
Heart-wrenching to witness.
No cause found; possible outgrowing. Continue antibiotics. Max appears perfect—developing superbly, rarely ill. Fever? Alarm. Overprotection defined us now.
At 15 months, antibiotics stop; one side improved. Celebrations! Strict monitoring continues; visits gamified for Max.
Now nearly 9, cheerful Max returns to Maastricht's same nephrologist/radiologist. Dilation reduced! Annual local check-ups suffice.
Vindication! Tears and trials taught: stay positive, heed instinct wisely.
To Max's health—and yours! And resilient maternal instinct!
