From the beginning, I had a very smooth pregnancy with no complications until a routine visit in my 3rd trimester when I was told that I measured smaller than I had before. Dr. Polidoro ordered a Fetal Non-Stress Test & decided to induce labor at 37 weeks 6 days due to my fluid levels being low. Clara-Ann was born March 21, 2014 at 10:22 p.m. She weighed 6 lbs. 5 oz. and measured 20 inches long. At first sight, she appeared to be a healthy baby – breathing on her own & maintaining great body temperature. Her nurse then noticed petechiae and bruising all over her body which prompted for immediate testing. Clara-Ann was diagnosed with a rare virus called Cytomegalovirus, CMV for short, and neonatal thrombocytopenia. She was immediately transported to the NICU at Brenner Children’s Hospital where she stayed for 1 week; receiving 2 blood transfusions and several rounds of IV immunoglobulins. There is no current cure for CMV when it is contracted during pregnancy, such as with Clara-Ann. CMV can cause bleeding on the brain, blindness, deafness, mental handicaps and developmental issues among many other medical issues. Clara-Ann had a hard start but we are fortunate that she continues to overcome battles thrown her way. Join us to raise awareness for this virus & support the March of Dimes research to hopefully, one day, have a cure.