Mum shares story to offer hope to others after giving birth to her ‘miracle baby’ after Asherman's Syndrome diagnosis
One of our mums who recently gave birth to her first child and ‘miracle baby’ after being diagnosed with Asherman’s Syndrome has shared her family’s powerful story to offer support to others who find themselves in such a position.
Kate Law, a doctor in a nearby A&E, was told she had the very rare condition, which causes scar tissue to form inside the uterus and cervix, that can lead to difficulties conceiving and carrying a baby to term.
The 37-year-old, has bravely opened up and shared her journey, as part of World Prematurity Day, which had a happy ending when Stevie was born at 37 weeks at our Women’s Hospital.
Kate said: "I've wanted to be a Mum all my life. It's something that was so important to me, so it was obviously devastating to receive the Asherman's diagnosis."
"I had two failed IVF attempts, the latter of which was with surrogacy in mind, and had tried other fertility treatments when this failed. However, because of very small egg numbers and their poor quality, we couldn't use my eggs, and I couldn't use donor eggs or embryos because my uterus lining was so damaged. I felt like I was in a checkmate with my fertility and I was out of options."
Kate received treatment from our specialist Gynaecology Services at our Women’s Hospital.
Professor Justin Clark, Consultant Gynaecologist, performed three hysteroscopies to try and repair the damage caused by the condition.
Kate said: "During this time, I had three early miscarriages. It was a really difficult period for me. It’s just such a devastating thing to go through. However, I received fantastic support from the Bereavement Midwife Team and Tommy’s Specialist Registrar Rosinder Kaur, who helped me through everything and I knew I was in the best hands with Professor Clark."
In August 2022, following her third hysteroscopy, Kate fell pregnant with her baby girl, Stevie.
She explained: "I was very nervous having experienced three losses but eventually I made it to the second trimester; it was the furthest I'd ever got to during a pregnancy. It was something so miraculous, but it just added to all my anxiety. It felt like I literally had all my eggs in one basket."
Due to her condition, and having had two previous procedures for abnormal cells on her cervix, Kate was cared for and supported by our Preterm Birth Prevention Team throughout her pregnancy. Our small team are by the sides of 350 women and families each year.
During a scan at 14 weeks, the team found that Kate had a short cervix, which meant she was at risk of having an early birth and needed a cervical suture - a stitch put around the neck of the womb (the cervix) to hold it closed throughout pregnancy.
Kate said: "The idea of having a procedure was very nerve-wracking. All I wanted was my baby, and when you have experienced the worst-case scenarios, you worry the worst might happen again.
"However, the team were there throughout, helping me through my worries. They really care about the person and look out for you. They did everything they could to book me in for the procedure quickly and within 48 hours of my scan, I had my stitch. It was incredible really”.
Kate added: "The surgeon, Mr Phil Toozs-Hobson, was brilliant. He was so kind. He could tell I was terrified, but he put my mind at rest."
The procedure was successful, but by the time Kate was 20 weeks pregnant, around Christmas 2022, her cervix was starting to open. However, Kate’s stitch was working well and keeping Stevie safely inside mum.
She said: "It's proof of how much I needed that stitch, as in the end, it was the only thing keeping Stevie safely inside me."
Kate, who was closely monitored and was scanned a minimum of every two weeks, added: "Because of everything that had happened to me in the past, my mental health deteriorated during pregnancy. Shortly after the stitch, I developed perinatal OCD. I wanted my baby so much and it was the way my mind was trying to cope."
"The team really helped me. They were dealing with someone who was so worried about everything. I couldn't believe everything was okay and was terrified of risk to my baby, but they were always so calm and supportive.
"I also received support from the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Perinatal Mental Health Service, who were phenomenal and were a vital help to me."
Kate gave birth to Stevie by c-section at 37 weeks in April this year. She said: "I really can't put into words how I felt, happy is such an understatement. I went through the scariest, darkest time and now I'm living my dream life, and it's all thanks to these teams of people who have supported me.
"They did so much for me, not just in helping me have Stevie but for my wellbeing as well. The care was amazing, and I really can't thank them enough.
"Libby Edwards, one of the Prematurity Prevention Specialist Midwives, especially, made herself available for me all of the time. She was not nine till five, she was there for me always and even when she wasn't at work, she made sure I got signposted to the right people.
“My Consultant Obstetrician Vicky Hodgetts-Morton was brilliant throughout. She came to visit me after Stevie was born and brought me something her grandmother had knitted for her. It was very emotional. I will never forget that moment. We had made it. It was everyone’s triumph”.
Kate added: "I was supported by countless outstanding individuals and I just want to thank everyone who cared for me. I'm soon to be discharged from the Perinatal Mental Health Service, and living my happiest life with my daughter."
Libby said: "All of our Preterm Birth Prevention team are thrilled that Kate has been able to realise her dream of motherhood with beautiful baby Stevie. It was a pleasure to stand by her side every step of the way, from scans and consultations to her surgery and making sure Kate knew who to call if she was ever worried.
"Achieving Kate and Stevie's happy ending is our ultimate aim, it's not always plain sailing, but it's wonderful to see how the care we give positively impacts families and it's amazing to see them doing so well today."