About Madeline

We're keeping this blog to keep our friends and family updated on the status of our soon to be daughter, Madeline Marie Wier. Madeline is due to be born on November 14th, 2009. Ashley is currently 29 weeks pregnant and we've unfortunately hit a snag..

Last week, Ashley began having some complications and was admitted to the hospital, diagnosed with Preeclampsia. Though it's fairly common in pregnancy, Preeclampsia typically doesn't present quite this early and not this severely. As Maddie continues to develop every day, Ashley's health is moving in an opposite trend. Ashley has been terribly swollen with incredibly high blood pressure, severe headaches and is at risk for seizures.  The only cure for Preeclampsia is to birth the baby prematurely and allow Ashley's body to heal itself. It goes without saying that the baby is not prepared to be born at 29 weeks as she will likely face several obstacles in early development.

The doctors want to allow Maddie to grow in the womb as long as possible without placing Ashley at risk of kidney/liver failure or seizures . We're told that every single day is a tremendous advantage for Maddie and they want to push back the birth as long as possible. The goal is to determine the window of opportunity at which Ashley's health remains stable, but Maddie has grown enough to gain every possible advantage in her early life.

We're currently undergoing daily testing to determine the rate of progression of Ashley's condition. When the doctors believe she is nearing dangerous waters, labor will be induced and Maddie will be born.

We're told that Maddie can develop well at 29 weeks, but she will of course need substantial support in ICU.

We ask that our friends and family extend their thoughts and prayers to our family. We can't tell you how grateful we are for the constant words of encouragement, offers of support and reassurance that we are being lifted up in constant prayer.