Pregnant 20 year-old Raven Horton of Lenoir was advised to seek care at
a hospital in another city to rule out complications from an underlying
health issue that might compromise the health of the twins she was carrying.
Raven traveled to Winston-Salem, NC where she was admitted for observation
during two separate stays during which she underwent maternal/fetal monitoring tests.
While in Winston, she was away from family and started struggling with
fear and feelings of failure. According to Raven, she needed to be watched
closely for preeclampsia to ensure the fraternal twins she was carrying
were receiving adequate nutrients and oxygen for optimum development.
Once discharged, she made an appointment at the Catawba County Health
Department where she received prenatal care from a CVMC midwife.
Horton said, “The staff at CVMC was wonderful. My midwife took the
time to fully discuss all potential complications with me, explaining
risks in a way that I understood and answering every question I had so
that I could wrap my brain around what might happen.”
During a subsequent exam, Horton’s medical team determined the babies
were no longer growing at an appropriate rate and made immediate arrangements
for her to deliver the babies by Cesarean-section in the dedicated all
new surgical suite at CVMC during the 35th week of her pregnancy. With
her grandmother at her side, Horton’s daughter and son were born
healthy and did not require admission into the Level-III Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit. Because she was fortunate to deliver close to home, her family
and the father of her twins arrived quickly and helped celebrate the births
with offers to help her in the birthing center. The babies’ father
was encouraged to bond with the babies and helped her make the transition
home with confidence.
Although Raven’s pregnancy was somewhat difficult with the numerous
trips to Winston, it moved her to become a vocal and passionate advocate
for herself and she hopes that by telling her story, other expectant families
who may also get referred to a medical facility in another town will do
as she did and ask questions ensuring their best option. Any expectant
parent has a right to make an informed choice about what care is best
for their unique circumstances, including honoring a preference to receive
prenatal care or monitoring in a hospital close to home and convenient
for family.