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A happy ending

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“You’re already 2cm dilated and having contractions. You’re in early labour!”

These were shocking words to hear at a 29-week appointment with her gynaecologist, recalls Cape Town mom and freelance journalist, Sue Dickson, 39. Sue and Roger’s son, Geoffrey, was born unexpectedly at 30 weeks, weighing 1.4 kg.

Sue says, “Up until then, I had had a great pregnancy, feeling fantastic throughout. We had conceived easily. Naturally I was concerned as an ‘older mom-to-be’, so it was always a relief when scans revealed that my baby was healthy, normal and developing well.”

Sue enjoyed moderate exercise throughout her pregnancy and ran until 26 weeks. But her amniotic fluid had decreased drastically and the baby was lying in the breech position. If labour progressed, Geoffrey’s bottom and umbilical cord might have become stuck, meaning doctors couldn’t get him out safely in time.

Born by caesarean section on 15 June 2007, Geoffrey was in hospital for 6 weeks and 2 days. But at 10 months, Geoffrey has cut his first 3 teeth, is very active, moves backwards, sideways and is on the verge of crawling forward, says his proud mom. His weight and size are good for his corrected age and his milestones are between his real and corrected age. He sure has caught up quickly.

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