By Wanjiku Musindi, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
Even as a high-risk obstetrician, I learned something unexpected during my own pregnancy: you can’t plan everything.
A High-Risk OB-GYN’s “Perfect” Pregnancy Plan
I am a physician specializing in high-risk obstetrics, caring for women whose pregnancies are complicated by medical conditions. Every day, I guide patients through uncertainty, risk, and unexpected outcomes.
Because of this, I felt confident when I became pregnant with my first child. I had spent years helping women navigate even the most challenging pregnancies—surely I could handle my own.
My husband and I were overjoyed when we found out we were expecting. We chose not to learn the baby’s gender, wanting the moment of birth to be a true surprise.
Like many of my patients, I created a plan:
- I improved my nutrition
- Maintained moderate exercise
- Followed every piece of medical advice I regularly give
Everything was going exactly as expected. I was on track for what I believed would be the perfect pregnancy and delivery.
The Third Trimester: When Everything Changed
As I entered the third trimester, I felt in control. At 37 weeks, I reviewed my delivery plan with my obstetrician and prepared for the final stretch.
But on the day of a routine appointment, something felt off.
My baby wasn’t moving.
Decreased fetal movement is something I often counsel patients about—but experiencing it myself was entirely different.
At the hospital, the nurses performed a non-stress test (NST), placing monitors on my abdomen to track:
- My baby’s heartbeat
- My contractions
Almost immediately, there were concerns.
I was having contractions—and during some of them, my baby’s heart rate dropped.
From Doctor to Patient: Facing the Unexpected
As a doctor, I understood exactly what was happening.
This pattern meant one thing:
I needed to be induced—and likely deliver that same day.
But as a mother, I wasn’t ready to accept it.
- How could my carefully planned pregnancy be unraveling?
- Was my baby okay?
- Why was this happening?
For the first time, I felt something I rarely allowed myself to feel in my professional role:
I felt completely out of control.
And I was scared.
Induction of Labor: Letting Go of Control
My doctor moved quickly. Labor was induced, and my water was broken. To closely monitor my baby, an internal fetal monitor was placed.
At first, the experience felt overwhelming.
But gradually, something shifted.
I stopped trying to control the situation and began to trust it.
I trusted:
- The medical team
- The process
- The care I was receiving
And, in a way, I finally understood what so many of my patients experience—not just physically, but emotionally.
The Moment Everything Changed
When it was time to push, I did something instinctive.
I thought back to the advice I had given countless patients over the years—and followed it myself.
The result?
I delivered my baby in just 19 minutes.
Then came the moment I will never forget.
I saw my baby’s head—full of hair—then his tiny body. My husband told me:
“It’s a boy.”
I began to cry again—but this time, they were tears of joy.
Our son let out his first cry as I held him close. When he opened his eyes and looked at me, everything else faded away.
In that moment, I wasn’t a doctor.
I was simply a mother—completely in love.
What This Experience Taught Me About Pregnancy
Even with years of medical training, I learned something deeply personal:
Pregnancy doesn’t always follow a plan—and that’s okay.
This experience changed how I care for my patients. I now understand more than ever that:
- Knowledge doesn’t remove fear
- Plans don’t guarantee outcomes
- And even experts must learn to let go
But I also learned something even more important:
You can trust the process—and still have a beautiful outcome.
When to Seek Help for Decreased Fetal Movement
If you’re pregnant and notice your baby is moving less than usual, it’s important to act quickly.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You feel a significant decrease in movement
- You notice changes in your baby’s usual activity pattern
- You are unsure or concerned at all
A simple test, like a non-stress test, can provide reassurance—or identify when intervention is needed.
About the Author
Wanjiku Musindi, M.D., is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and assistant professor at The Ohio State University. She cares for women with high-risk pregnancies and complex medical conditions. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family.