The Miracle of Ultrasound

This week, October 26-29, 2009, was a week we have been anticipating. After much prayer, many meetings, phone calls and actually transporting the ultrasound machine to Decatur, this would be our first week to offer ultrasounds at The College Women’s Center in Decatur. This week, our volunteer nurses would be completing an important part of their training in offering ultrasounds to around 25-30 pregnant volunteers. Many of these women would be from the community while others would be patients of The College Women’s Center.

I arrived at the Center Monday morning with great anticipation. Instead of the Center being quiet as it usually is when I arrive, it was already a buzz with nurses, a pregnant volunteer and Wendy Weekly busy at the computer. As the day progressed, it was so exciting to have our small 800 square foot space so full with 4 nurses, 3 employees, patients and ultrasound volunteers!

Our 3 p.m. appointment was a patient with whom I met last week. She and her boyfriend wanted confirmation of their pregnancy. A junior in college and also working to pay for school, the pregnancy was not good timing and their relationship was only 4 months old. They both listened attentively to the information shared about all their options, but seemed to be approaching the decision about the pregnancy from a very pragmatic stance. As she stated, she was young, selfish and wasn’t ready either financially or emotionally to handle the responsibilities of a child. Fortunately, when offered, she was interested in returning for the ultrasound the following week. I explained that we were preparing to offer ultrasound services and next week would be a week of training nurses. She understood and wanted to come.

On Monday afternoon, I was delighted that she actually came back for the appointment. The nurses each practiced finding her uterus, her cervix and eventually the 8 week old unborn baby. When the baby (about the size of a thumbnail) was located on the screen, the screen was adjusted so the patient could view her baby for the first time. To the untrained eye, much of what is displayed with the ultrasound is unclear, but there is no mistaking the beating of the baby’s heart. I found myself getting teary witnessing the reality of this baby. The client’s lovely dimples broke out into a smile.

After the ultrasound session, I met with the patient to debrief and find out her thoughts. She spoke briefly about her impressions and then broke into tears. She articulated that she knew it would be emotional but had been uncertain what to expect. I think we both were caught off-guard by the compelling nature of that view into the womb. What once was only manifested by some irritating nausea and a positive pregnancy test, now has shown himself/herself complete with a forming, spinal cord and that miraculous beating heart! I sensed that the tide may be turning for this young woman as she decides whether to proceed with this pregnancy. I pray the Lord will continue to turn her heart toward her unborn child.

On Wednesday afternoon, a young couple found out through the ultrasound that they are expecting twins. Although he was in favor of having the baby all along, seeing that she was carrying twins seemed to have a big impact on this college freshman. She felt certain that she couldn’t go through with aborting two babies!

I am so grateful for the miracle of sonography. And, I am so grateful for the miracle of God bringing an ultrasound machine and willing volunteer nurses to The College Women’s Center! I am beginning to see the impact it can have as women and men will make decisions about their pregnancies not just with their heads, but also with their hearts after getting to see for themselves a window to the womb.

By Suzy Brister,
The College Women's Center Site Coordinator