Chapter 436
436 Informed Choices (Winona)
I sit in the starkly white exam room, tapping my fingers on the cold metal armrest of the chair. The anxiety radiates through my body as I wait for the doctor to return with my medical history files.
Klara assured me he was one of the best general doctors in Brussels, known for his discretion and thoroughness.
The door swings open, and Dr. Fischer, a tall man in his early fifties with wire-rimmed glasses, strides in. His accent is distinctly Germanic, every word precise and measured. He offers a smile, but there's something reassuringly serious about his demeanor. "Ah, Frau Brennan," he says, settling into the chair across from me and clicking open a folder. "I have reviewed your medical history and current concerns. How are you feeling today?"
I shift uncomfortably. "Physically, I've been okay. A little queasy this morning, but nothing alarming. Mentally... well, there's a lot riding on this pregnancy."
He pods, his brow furrowing slightly as he reads through my file. "Yes, I can see you have had significant reproductive health issues in the past. Advanced endometriosis, PCOS... and you delivered your daughter Abby early by cesarean, correct?" "Yes, only a little early," I confirm, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Abby was a miracle baby, and the doctors always said I was unlikely to conceive again, let alone carry to term."
• Dr. Fischer sets down the folder and adjusts his glasses. "Pregnancy after such a diagnosis is indeed rare but not impossible, as you know. You are approximately twelve weeks along, yes?" I nod. "According to a blood test, yes."
"This puts you at a slightly safer point in the first trimester, where the risk of early miscarriage begins to decrease. However..." He pauses, looking me squarely in the eyes. "Given your history, you still carry a higher risk throughout."
I nod slowly, trying to absorb the information without letting my emotions spiral. "What about flying back to the States?" I ask. "That's the main thing I need to figure out. Is it safe?"
He leans back in his chair, considering. "Air travel at this stage of pregnancy is generally not restricted, but in your case, it's complicated."
"Tell me something that isn't?" I say quietly and he looks at me and carries on talking.
"The pressurization and altitude can be more stressful on the body, and given your history of reproductive issues, there is a degree of risk. However," he adds, holding up a finger, "it is not my place to tell you what to do. The decision must be yours, and one you are comfortable with."
I close my eyes for a second, gathering my thoughts. "So, it's ultimately up to me. But what do you suggest? In your professional opinion?"
He sighs, folding his hands. "I suggest taking every precaution. Get all the details you can on this pregnancy. That way you make an informed decision, yes?"
"That is great advice. I will feel more in control then which keeps me calm."
"A thorough ultrasound is necessary before you even consider flying. We must ensure everything looks stable. The baby has no physical defects."
I flinch at those words. What if there are problems in development?
"Additional targeted blood tests will help us monitor your hormone levels and any potential complications. But ultimately, Frau Brennan, it's about what you can live with. If you choose to fly and something goes wrong, can you accept that decision?
His question hits me like a ton of bricks. The thought of anything happening to this baby... it's almost too much to bear. "I understand," I say quietly, my voice thick with emotion. "But not flying doesn't give me any guarantees either." "No. This is out of our hands mostly. But to be this far is very positive."
Dr. Fischer studies me for a moment, his expression softening "I can book you an ultrasound tomorrow?"
"No. I mean, not that soon please."
He raises an eyebrow. "May I ask why?"
I look down at my hands, fiddling with the her of my shirt. "I've... been want to do it with the baby's father. Also, hearing the baby's heartbeat, seeing the ultrasound... it'll make everything feel real. Real and... more heartbreaking, if I lose the baby" He nods thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. The emotional impact see." He adjusts his glasses again. "It is important to have support during moments like that. If you wish to wait for your husband, that is understandable.
But please, do not wait too long. You need that ultrasound before any major decisions."
"I know," I murmur, my mind already racing through logistics. "I'll find a way. We'll figure it out."
Dr. Fischer stands, offering me his hand. "Good. For now, rest, stay hydrated, and continue monitoring your wellbeing. We'll order the blood tests today. When you have your ultrasound booked, call the office here and they will set up the results coming to me." I shake his hand, grateful for his understanding but still overwhelmed. "Thank you, Doctor."
"Take care, Frau Brennan," he says, giving me a kind smile before he leaves the room.
I gather my things and head out into the bustling streets of Brussels. I know I'll be messaging Jayden tonight to figure out how we can make this ultrasound happen together.
It's one of those non-negotiable moments I can't compromise on
And that heartbeat... I know hearing it will make everything more real. The joy, the fear, the hope-all of it.
1 can't hear that heartbeat alone.