We are here with a story of hope — one that never gave up even for a moment, holding tightly onto life with tiny hands. After a challenging and high-risk pregnancy journey, our family was finally reunited with their son. Ms. Özge had health problems and high blood pressure, which made our job more difficult. With very careful and meticulous monitoring, we managed to carry the little one to the 35th week. Now, let’s listen to this challenging journey, which ended in tears of happiness, from its heroine, Ms. Özge…
Can we get to know you a little better?
My name is Özge Çağlayan. I am 31 years old, and I own a hair salon. I am the mother of a two-month-old baby boy, and I have been married for three years.
When did you decide to become a mother?
I decided to become a mother one year after my marriage. I later gave birth, but due to my illness, I had to deliver at 7 months. My baby stayed in the incubator for 21 days. He had some complications, and unfortunately, we lost him. After that, we took a one-year break. Then we met Ms. Ümit. After meeting her, we started to feel hopeful again about having a baby.
What was your illness? Could you elaborate on the process?
My blood pressure was rising very high. I already had a kidney condition, and due to protein leakage, I developed acute kidney failure. During the process, my blood pressure increased even more, which caused pregnancy poisoning (preeclampsia). We were unaware of this and acted unconsciously. My condition appeared after about 5 months — or rather, we went to a perinatology specialist after 6 months. After the screening tests, they noticed that the baby’s amniotic fluid was low. They started aspirin because it helps increase fluid and thin the blood. However, the baby then began to have difficulty being nourished. As a result, I was hospitalized and stayed in the hospital for about 15 days. Then I stayed at home for one week. When we went for a check-up, they said the fluid had decreased significantly and that the placenta could be damaged, so they needed to deliver the baby. Three days later, I gave birth via cesarean section. My platelet levels were very low, and I was constantly receiving platelet support. After some time, an intestinal infection began. Then abdominal swelling occurred, and they said surgery was necessary for relief. Doctors said survival during and after the surgery was uncertain… Due to premature birth, we already had lung development issues. Later, his heart stopped.
You went through very difficult times. But you didn’t give up. And then your journey to hope begins with İrem…
Yes. We believe the baby we lost paved the way for his sibling. Because if we hadn’t known this condition — if my other baby had lived — we knew he would have had other serious health problems. Platelet deficiency is a very dangerous condition; it can lead to kidney failure and fluid accumulation in the lungs. We wish he had lived, but then we might not have met Umut. We believe he allowed a healthier pregnancy for his sibling. It’s a complicated feeling.
How did your process continue with us?
I had a doctor at Celal Bayar University who recommended Ms. Ümit to me. Then we made an appointment at your center. Ms. Ümit approached us with great warmth and care. In fact, although she didn’t show it at first, she later said during the birth, smiling: “I was scared too. When you came in with blood pressure at 18, I didn’t know what to do. I thought I was taking a big risk.”