We thought that the most difficult part was over. After a pregnancy loss during the summer of 2024 and months of trying, we were ecstatic to not only find out that Annie was pregnant again, but that everything was seemingly going well during the first trimester. Then, during her 20-week anatomy scan, everything changed. Our baby was measuring in the 2nd percentile and Annie’s amniotic fluid levels were low, leading to a referral to a high-risk maternal fetal medicine doctor and a diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction. Though the consultation was stressful, we left the appointment optimistic with a goal to reach 37 weeks. As a precaution, we began monitoring Annie’s blood pressure twice per day.
On March 9, 2025 (the final day of her 23rd week of pregnancy), Annie’s blood pressure was consistently measuring high. Following her intuition, we went to the OB Emergency Department at Texas Health Bedford. Annie was admitted for monitoring, with a plan to discharge the next day. However, the tests conducted over night and into the morning were concerning. Annie’s placenta was leaking protein and the baby’s pulse was stagnating. Because Texas Health Bedford lacked the ability to care for babies born before 25 weeks, the decision was made to take Annie by helicopter from Bedford to Texas Health Harris Methodist in Fort Worth, Texas for an emergency C-Section.
At 3:47 p.m. on March 10, 2025, Annie and Owen welcomed Nora Marie Babcock into the world. Weighing 13.1 ounces, Nora was immediately intubated by the Harris NICU team led by Dr. Megan Schmidt and taken from the delivery room to the NICU. While the NICU team worked to stabilize Nora, the Labor and Delivery team focused on Annie, whose blood pressure remained dangerously high despite her receiving the highest dose of blood pressure medication available. After 10 days, and with diagnoses of intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and partial placental abruption, Annie was discharged.
Over the next 129 days, Nora overcame pneumonia, three self-extubations, omphalitis, a procedure to close her patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, and countless blood transfusions, x-rays, blood gases, and blood draws. She fought every single day and, with the support of her Harris NICU team, slowly grew and was ultimately discharged weighing 7lb 7.2oz. We never dreamed that our little miracle would go home with only oxygen (that she ditched 3 weeks later) and thickened feeds. Nora has been thriving since.
Her success and story are only possible because of the incredible research and training provided by organizations like March of Dimes. With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, we’re committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. And you can help us.
Please visit our fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
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