From pandemic to preterm birth

An emergency induction. First time mother. Global pandemic. The perfect storm appeared to unfold for Skye Leahy and her husband Sean for their birth of their daughter, Anastasia in 2020.

In September of 2020, Skye and Sean relocated from Adelaide to Western Australian for Sean’s work with the Royal Australian Navy.

Skye was 27 weeks pregnant at the time, and in-line with COVID-19 protocols, the couple were required to quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

“A few days into the quarantine I began to experience headaches and nausea,” Skye recalls.

The health team at the hotel decided it was best for Skye to be transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital for further examination.

“The doctors informed me that I had high blood pressure and I was sent back to quarantine with medication and instructions for daily health checks,” Skye said.

After quarantine, Skye’s care was continued at King Eddies, with fortnightly checks.

“My 30-week check passed with no problems. At my 32-week check I was showing signs of swelling in my hands, feet and face. After testing, I was given a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia and admitted to hospital,” she said.

Just five days later Skye’s health had declined to a point where she was told she needed to be induced.

“It was a truly terrifying time. We were first time parents, in the middle of a pandemic, on the opposite side of the country to our support system and family. It was isolating, lonely and I wasn’t even at 33 weeks yet,” Skye remembers.

“I remember being told to wait, and not push yet because the NICU resus team wasn’t in the room yet, and they weren’t sure if she would breathe on her own after birth.”

In the blink of an eye Anastasia was born weighing just 1450g.

“After she was born, I remember hearing her cry and immediately bursting in to tears of relief, knowing she was alive and breathing. Sean went with Anastasia and the team down to the NICU.”

Joy and immense relief were palpable for Skye and Sean although they knew that there was a long road ahead.

Anastasia would spend a total of 41 days in the NICU and Special Care Nursery before being able to head home.

Initially Anastasia would require breathing support and was tube fed as she struggled to coordinate her swallowing until 36 weeks. She would also experience a Grade 1 brain bleed after birth and was diagnosed with an infantile hemangioma in the area around her parotid gland.

At two years old, she was diagnosed with a Global Development Delay, and with further assessment was diagnosed as being Level 3 Autistic.

“Anastasia is still non-verbal and struggles with regulation, sensory issues and eating, but is otherwise a very happy and active child,” Skye explains.

“She has just started pre-school here in Canberra and is enjoying every day of school which is a huge milestone for her and the family.”

In 2023, Anastasia would be become a big sister as Skye and Sean welcomed Gabriella, born at term.

Skye’s pregnancy care was once again split between two states, as the family were relocated from Adelaide to Canberra for Sean’s career once again.

“At 12 weeks I was started on low-dose aspirin as a preventative measure. When we got to Canberra, I was 16 weeks pregnant and was taken under the maternity care of the local hospital quickly,” she said.

“I had more regular appointments to monitor my blood pressure and was transferred to a high-care team after a diagnosis of gestational diabetes requiring insulin for control. Luckily, my blood pressure remained stable, and I carried to 38+1, when I was induced.”

Sharing her story isn’t always easy for Skye but her motivation to do so is unwavering.

“I want to help raise awareness around preterm birth because I know how scary and isolating it can be, and if I can help one person hold onto hope and feel a little less alone, then I feel like I should pay that forward,” she said.

“It is one of the scariest things any parent can face, and hearing stories from those who have walked the path before you can be a comfort when its 3am and you’re pumping milk looking at photos of the baby you wish you were holding in that moment.”