Grace’s Heart Journey: Overcoming Coarctation of the Aorta with Hope and Strength
Please note: For privacy, this child’s name has been changed.
For Ann and her husband, the path to parenthood was anything but easy. After suffering a heartbreaking loss and enduring five rounds of IVF, the couple’s dream of starting a family seemed distant.
But in February 2024, their prayers were answered. Ann vividly remembers the moment she found out she was pregnant after her first successful embryo transfer.
We were thrilled,
Ann said. After so much heartache, it felt like the next step toward having the child we’d been dreaming of.
Though her pregnancy started as typical, everything changed at her baby’s 20-week growth scan. The ultrasound revealed that baby Grace was measuring significantly small, leaving doctors puzzled.
Further findings suggested restricted growth, including a marginal cord insertion—where the umbilical cord attaches to the edge of the placenta instead of the center—and a single umbilical artery, meaning the cord had only one artery instead of the usual two. Both conditions can limit the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen to the baby, leading to slower fetal growth and other developmental concerns.
Ann’s OB-GYN, Dr. Florencia Molina Boero at CHRISTUS Children’s, referred her to Dr. Anna Gonzalez, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist with CHRISTUS Children’s. At 26 weeks, Dr. Gonzalez noticed something unusual with Grace’s heart. That’s when Ann was referred to the CHRISTUS Children’s Heart Center for more detailed echocardiograms.
The cardiology team outlined various scenarios that might unfold after birth. Although the unknowns were daunting, the couple chose to focus on hope and preparation.
They explained what could potentially be wrong, but they couldn’t say for sure,
Ann shared. I began seeing the maternal-fetal medicine specialist twice a week for Doppler scans to monitor the cord and track the baby’s movements, ensuring everything was still functioning properly.
CHRISTUS Children's The Heart Center
The Heart Center at CHRISTUS Children's provides comprehensive care to children with heart problems. Our integrated group of specialists bring together a multidisciplinary approach from many specialties to care for children with heart defects.
Coordinated NICU Care After Grace’s Arrival
Ann made it to 35 weeks before her water broke. In preparation for a potential early delivery, Ann received two courses of steroids to help develop her baby’s lungs. On the evening of October 3, 2024, Grace entered the world via C-section at CHRISTUS Children’s, weighing 3 pounds, 4 ounces.
Our baby cried when she was born, and we were so relieved,
Ann said. The nurses were wonderful—they wrapped her up, brought her over for a quick photo, and then took her to the NICU.
While in the neonatal intensive care unit, Grace, who was very tiny, was placed on a CPAP machine, which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep her airways open and assist with breathing, and she also had an umbilical IV to administer essential nutrition.
The next day, the cardiology team performed an echocardiogram, confirming a severe coarctation of the aorta—a narrowing of the major artery that restricted blood flow to the lower half of her body.
Dr. Maria Pierce, Grace’s neonatologist and CHRISTUS Health’s director of neonatology in San Antonio and New Braunfels, coordinated with the cardiology team to determine the best course of action.
It was out of an abundance of caution; the cardiology team wanted to fully understand the issue before deciding on heart surgery,
Ann said. We appreciated their careful and measured approach.
Preparing for Surgery to Treat Coarctation of the Aorta
Grace’s parents met with Dr. Victor Bautista-Hernandez, the pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at CHRISTUS Children’s, who explained Grace’s heart surgery in detail. Anesthesiologist Dr. Colin Donovan walked them through the process, setting clear expectations from administering anesthesia to the recovery phase. Dr. Pierce reassured Ann that while every surgery carries risks, this was a routine procedure that the team was well-equipped to handle.
At less than 2 weeks old, Grace underwent heart surgery. She had a severe coarctation of the aorta, which was restricting blood flow to the lower half of her body, including her digestive system and legs.
The artery he was repairing was only 3 millimeters in diameter,
Ann explained. Dr. Bautista was so reassuring—he told us the prognosis was pretty good and the success rate was over 90 percent, which gave us hope. We could wrap our heads around that probability, but it was still nerve-wracking.
Grace underwent surgery on October 16, 2024.
We made an incision to access the narrowed section of the aorta, remove the constricted area, and reconnect the healthy parts to restore normal blood flow,
explained Dr. Bautista. This ensures proper circulation to the lower body and prevents long-term complications, especially in a young patient.
The hours in the waiting room were some of the longest of Ann’s life.
It was a really challenging few hours,
Ann said. The fear of the unknown was overwhelming. You hope for the intended result, but unexpected things can happen. No matter how experienced the doctors are, that uncertainty lingers. However, updates from the surgical team helped ease some of our anxiety.
Recovery and Milestones after Coarctation Surgery
Grace was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit, where the cardiology recovery team monitored her closely. Ann and her husband were struck by how swollen their baby appeared from anesthesia and blood transfusions. Yet, the care and compassion of the nurses in both the PICU and NICU brought them comfort.
The nurses were amazing,
Ann said. They supported us through every step, answering our questions and making us feel like we were part of the care team.
Grace’s recovery was a gradual process. Once cleared by the cardiology team, the focus shifted to helping her gain weight and learn to feed. They transitioned her off IV nutrition. Ann pumped breast milk, which was initially delivered through a feeding tube. Over time, Grace began meeting critical milestones: she gained weight consistently for three days and started taking 70 percent of her feeds orally.
On November 13, 2024, after 41 days in the hospital, Grace was finally ready to go home.
Follow-Up Care for a Healthy Heart
Bringing her home was a mix of emotions,
Ann admitted. We were overjoyed but also nervous. The hospital had been our safety net, and now it was our turn to care for her. Still, we were thrilled—it’s what we worked for during two years of IVF and the pregnancy, to finally bring our baby home.
Once Grace was home, the couple quickly adjusted to their new routine. The first few weeks were a blur—there was so much to learn. I kept wondering, ‘Are we doing this right?’ But the support of her doctors and the guidance of the NICU team made all the difference.
Today, Grace is thriving at 3 months old. She has regular follow-up appointments with her pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Govinda Paudel, at CHRISTUS Children’s, and her prognosis is excellent. Ann and her husband find strength in their faith, their medical team, and the community that has supported them.
We take things one day at a time,
said Ann. Every milestone, no matter how small, feels like a victory. Grace is our miracle, and we’re so grateful for the care and love she’s received from everyone.
Learn more about the Heart Center or the NICU at CHRISTUS Children’s.
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