High risks. Higher Hopes.

Linda Sanduski

Like so many women, Linda Sanduski wanted a healthy baby and an uncomplicated pregnancy. However, the odds were not in her favor.

After her first pregnancy ended in an early infant loss, Linda discovered that she had a number of serious medical conditions that could complicate future pregnancies. She learned that she had a bicornuate uterus, a congenital condition in which the uterus grows into two separate sections, which required surgery to repair. But that wasn’t all. “I also had a pulmonary embolism from the first pregnancy and a blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden.” (A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs.)

While her physical problems could be treated, Linda still had to deal with a high level of anxiety. “My number one fear was whether I would be able to sustain a pregnancy. I wanted to avoid having another premature baby.”

Her physician at the Family Health Center in North Riverside referred Linda to Loyola’s Fetal Assessment Center. There, she found doctors with extensive experience in maternal fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies — doctors comfortable handling cases just like hers.

Linda knew that even with the best care, she would still be at risk, so she appreciated her doctors’ honesty. With a mix of empathy and candor, they laid out the facts of her case and partnered with her in every decision. “I was very impressed with the professionalism of all the doctors. I appreciated the fact that they were all up to speed on my case and sensitive to what had happened to me during my first pregnancy.” Describing her meeting with her Loyola physician, Linda recalls: “He was so patient. He said he’d answer each and every question until we got to the end. That was very memorable for me.”

With the help of the Fetal Assessment Center, Linda did have a successful pregnancy. “Everybody just worked hand-in-hand to make sure that I and my baby were safe every step of the way. They were so conservative. And they also prepared me mentally for what could happen.” She eventually had another successful pregnancy, also with the help of the center. “[I’ve decided that] this one is my last. I’m sad because I won’t see them again. I was there every week. They were almost like my family.”