Inspiring Life Despite A Diagnosis

Nicole found out that her daughter had Spina Bifida when she was 16 weeks pregnant. After a lot of research, Nicole decided surgery in utero would give her daughter a head start at beating this diagnosis. Years later her baby, Piper, has overcome overwhelming odds, some thanks to the in utero surgery and in another part to her unconquerable spirit. Piper's condition has forged resilience with her siblings and strengthened bonds within her family. Fetal surgery on a baby with Spina Bifida When the doctors told Nicole her baby would have Spina Bifida, she was given some options, she could terminate the fetus, have surgery in utero, or have her child go through surgery soon after birth. She made an appointment with a Perinatologist, “a high-risk OBGYN” and after a lot of research, Nicole chose to have surgery in utero to help improve Piper’s quality of life. There are only three hospitals in the United States that do this type of surgery, and it has to be done before the mother is 24 weeks pregnant. If the in