Kimberley contacted us during her pregnancy after seeing this website. She kindly has shared her story to help others.

Lily-Mae Wells 31/08/08 10.36am

“I am afraid we think your baby has Down syndrome, but everything else is ok”

How on earth could the hospital deal us that blow and expect everything to be ok? This was our first baby and we had been dealt this cruel blow.  We were then ushered to a family room, as they wanted a specialist to come and check and give their opinion.  The hour went by so slowly, it felt like 3!Finally the specialist arrived and confirmed she felt the same.  We were booked in to go to Southampton for further testing, this was on Tuesday, we were on Thursday so the next 4 days passed in a blur.

Tuesday finally arrived, having to wait in a room full of pregnant women seemed the cruellest blow so far.  The CVS was conducted and explanations of the possible illnesses our baby could have.  Of all the possibilities, I prayed for Turners, this would also mean my dream of a baby girl.

The results took 3 days and again the wait seemed endless.  Finally that call came, “Your baby has Turners syndrome” finally the agonising wait was over and the news I craved for.  The only thing now was the chances of survival were very slim.  Once past 24 weeks we were a little safer.

As I blossomed my love for Mildred- my husbands nickname for the bump, grew.  Feeling her kick for the first time was the single most wonderful experience of my life.  I am sure for all women this is the case but the fact that Mildred was fighting fit made it all the more special.  We finally reached our milestone and went way beyond.

Regular visits to the midwife ensured she was developing ok.  We also got to hear her heart beat, it was so strong.  Having a fantastic midwife was also a great help, I am really grateful for this.

Finally on 31/08/08 our beautiful daughter Lily-Mae was born.  She was 4 weeks early but weighed in at 4lb 15oz.  She had to stay in the hospital for 6 weeks.  Leaving her was one of the hardest things I had to do but she was in great hands.  My gratitude to the nurses in Southampton Neo Natal is endless.  Finally after 4 weeks she was transferred back to Basingstoke, making our trips a little easier.  Lily-Mae is also Hypoglycaemic, a condition of her Turners but other than that she is a perfect bundle of joy.

Lily-Mae is now 4.5 months old and coming along beautifully.  She smiles and has her tantrums already but I would not change her for the world, she is one special little miracle as is every Turners baby that makes it.

I won’t lie, the pregnancy was difficult, the uncertainty was the hardest but I would not change it for the world.  If anything it has made me stronger and the bond with my husband and daughter the same.  I am lucky to have a fantastic family who supported me the whole way through and continue to do so now lily-Mae is with us.

To all out there facing the same, stay strong, the results are truly worth it.  It makes you stronger and provides you with one of life’s miracles.