In the final trimester of Bethany Kerr’s first pregnancy, she began experiencing a rapid heart rate and palpitations.  She was ordered to rest and not overexert herself. The condition had no ill affects on her or her son, Colton, and she quickly recovered after his birth.  Nearly halfway through her second pregnancy, Bethany again experienced an elevated heart rate.  Her second son, Rowan, was born with no complications, and Bethany’s heart showed no signs of damage from the experience.  She suspected subsequent pregnancies would result in similar circumstances; however, she was not prepared for the trial she faced with her third child.

Before considering she might be pregnant again, Bethany’s heart would race, and she would feel lightheaded when she stood up.  Unsure of what could be causing the issues, she decided to take a pregnancy test which indicated a positive result.  Bethany visited her obstetrician, Melissa A. Lenko, D.O., of Licking Memorial Women’s Health – Pataskala, and discussed her concerns about how quickly the elevated heart rate occurred.  Dr. Lenko suggested that Bethany visit a cardiologist for a better perspective on possible damage to the heart.  “Dr. Lenko was very straight forward with me.  Because I am a nurse, she knew it was important for me to understand the science behind what was happening so that I could make informed decisions,” Bethany said.  “I really appreciated her confidence in me.”

Bethany did visit with a cardiologist during her first trimester and was informed that her heart was performing as it should.  As the baby grows, the mother’s heart rate rises as more blood is pumped to the uterus.  The volume of blood increases by almost 50 percent during pregnancy as does the amount of fluid in the blood.  The heart must pump harder due to the increased volume, resulting in an elevated heart rate and changes to blood pressure.  Brief heart palpitations are considered common.  While the changes in heart rate can signal a heart problem in rare cases, most are harmless.  As the pregnancy progressed, however, Bethany’s symptoms worsened.

In addition to an elevated heart rate, Bethany’s blood pressure skyrocketed in the second trimester causing her to experience bleeding and to feel dizzy when she stood up.  Dr. Lenko’s nurse, Staci Otten, B.S.N., listened to Bethany’s concerns, tracked the blood pressure changes and relayed vital information to Dr. Lenko.  Dr. Lenko again urged Bethany to visit with a cardiologist.  After examining Bethany, Ariane S. Neyou, M.D., of Licking Memorial Cardiology, ordered Bethany to light duty only, suggesting she lift no more than five pounds at a time and limit walking.  Dr. Neyou also prescribed a number of medications to lower her blood pressure and heart rate.  Bethany was reassigned from her nursing duties to an N95 distribution desk at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH).  “Dr. Neyou and her nurse, Heather Prince, B.S.N., were very attentive and often would come to the desk to check on me and make sure I was staying off my feet,” Bethany said.  “Their kindness and dedication are shining examples of the excellent care they provide.”

Despite the medications and other measures taken to lower her blood pressure, Bethany continued to struggle, often feeling weak and ill.  She was referred to the maternal-fetal medicine specialists that collaborate with LMH for complicated or high-risk pregnancies.  The specialists believed Bethany’s hormonal response to her pregnancy had triggered the heart issues and suggested plenty of rest.  At 26 weeks, Bethany was taken to Labor and Delivery because she was experiencing contractions.  After monitoring her for a time, Bethany was sent home and told to rest.  As the pregnancy progressed, Bethany continued to visit Dr. Lenko who was quite concerned about Bethany because she was very pale and had no energy.  “Dr. Lenko was very honest in telling me she feared my heart was just not strong enough to endure this pregnancy,” Bethany said.

Dr. Lenko suggested a number of tests to monitor the baby’s health including a non-stress test to check the baby’s heart rate and observe how it responds to the baby’s movements.  The term “non-stress” refers to the fact that nothing is done to place stress on the baby during the test.  Bethany also underwent a biophysical profile (BPP) – a prenatal ultrasound evaluation of the baby’s heart rate, muscle tone, movement, breathing and amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.  The baby failed the nonstress tests multiple times, but passed the BPP testing, so the monitoring continued.  Bethany lost weight and continued to feel exhausted.

At 36 weeks, Bethany went to see Dr. Lenko for her checkup.  The non-stress test and BPP were performed twice weekly throughout the last trimester due to the high-risk for complications.  During the testing, it was discovered the baby was in distress and Bethany was urged to go straight to LMH to induce labor.  During the induction, her blood pressure was crashing and the situation became emergent.  The Labor and Delivery staff worked quickly to stabilize Bethany.  “I was so tired, and I kept saying I just wanted to sleep.  My primary nurse, Adrienne Hennerfeind, B.S.N., kept checking on me, flipping me on my side and encouraging me by saying that everything was going to be alright.”  Bethany gave birth to her third son, Decland.  He was lethargic at first due to low blood sugar, but the staff gave him glucose and he recovered quickly.  Dr. Lenko explained they found a number of irregularities that contributed to Bethany’s heart issues.  The placenta was discolored, too small, full of blood clots and there were tight coils in the umbilical cord causing a lack of blood and oxygen.

With her own blood supply restored, Bethany recovered quickly after the birth.  Her blood pressure and heart rate returned to normal, and her energy returned.  She was able to participate in kangaroo care, a form of developmental care in which the infant is held skin-to-skin against the mother or father’s bare chest.  Her husband brought Colton and Rowan to meet their new brother as well.  After just 24 hours, Bethany and Decland returned home.  

“I am so grateful for such an incredible team of healthcare providers.  The teamwork is impressive.  From Dr. Lenko to the staff in Labor and Delivery, there was constant communication and collaboration to make sure Decland and I were safe,” Bethany said.  “I am forever grateful to Dr. Lenko for continuing the testing and trusting her own evaluation of my wellbeing.  She knew there was some sort of issue, and did all she could to make certain Decland and I survived the pregnancy.”

Bethany grew up and continues to live in Granville.  She began working for LMH after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.  She was familiar with the quality of care and team atmosphere because a number of her family members are employed with Licking Memorial Health Systems, including her mother.  

Licking Memorial Women’s Health offers services designed to meet the unique health needs of women at three locations – Newark, Downtown Newark and Pataskala.  The physicians care for pregnant women before, during and after birth, and also specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological problems for women of all ages.  A wide range of services, including office-based and hospital care are available.