A Patient’s Story

Having a Baby – Megan's Story                  part 1 of 3

It is May 24, 2006, and Megan Brunatti, 30, and 17 weeks pregnant with her second child, sits in the reception area of Pavilion Women Health's, patiently waiting for her appointment with her obstetrician, Todd Liu, MD, chairman of the Department of OB/GYN at Southern Ocean County Hospital (SOCH).

Today is a good day for Megan, who is relieved that the tiredness, nausea and sensitivity to smells that plagued her during the first trimester of pregnancy have finally subsided. "It was rough for a while," said Megan. "I tried to find foods I could eat without difficulty. I lived on oatmeal, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese!"

Megan, who lives in Manahawkin and works for the Department of Environmental Protection, and her husband of six years, Brett, a plumber who is self-employed, had dreamed of having a second child since their son Noah was born in October of 2003. However, six months later, Megan sought medical attention for persistent swelling and stiffness in her right ankle and knee. The diagnosis came as a shock. She had developed an inflammatory arthritis similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis as a result of a bout with Lyme disease. The pregnancy would have to wait.

"Fortunately, medications and steroids really seemed to help control my arthritis symptoms," said Megan, who did not want to be on medication while pregnant. After seeking medical guidance, Megan stopped the arthritis medication in preparation for a second baby.

"We were so excited when I learned I was pregnant because we had hoped and planned for months!" exclaimed Megan, who wanted to deliver her baby at SOCH and chose the physicians of Pavilion Women's Health on the recommendation of a friend. "And Noah is so excited, he talks about it a lot and he can't wait until he can feel the baby kicking."

Noah will not have to wait long. Megan has just started to feel the baby move, and she is able to hear the heartbeat during her visit with Dr. Liu.

"Megan is at the stage in her pregnancy when most women feel their best," said Dr. Liu. "During the second trimester, which is the period from weeks 12 through 24, we monitor the patient's blood pressure, weight and urine to make sure there are no problems. We also check the baby's heart beat, and by measuring the patient's stomach, we can determine if the baby is growing at an appropriate pace."

Even though her pregnancy is progressing normally, Megan's arthritis diagnosis puts her in the category of high risk. In addition to her monthly visits with her obstetrician, she also sees a rheumatologist on a regular basis. With the exception of some minor pain and swelling, she considers the arthritis under control.

Throughout her pregnancy, Megan will benefit from care provided by Dr. Liu and his colleagues at Pavilion Women's Health, Morris Gagliardi, MD and Natalia Rezvina, MD. As she gets closer to her due date of October 30, she will begin seeing the obstetrician on a weekly basis.

For now, Megan has decided to scale back her work to three days a week so that she can spend more time with her son, and concentrate on her health. She is also grateful for the care and attention she receives from her doting husband, who is more than happy to cook dinner and help out around the house.

"The time seems to be going by so quickly," said Megan. "I just want to take time to relax and enjoy the pregnancy."

The story continues: See how Megan is coping during the third trimester of pregnancy. Click to continue.

For more information about Maternity Services at SOCH, or to find an OB/GYN, call SOCHConnect at 609-978-3400.