Echocardiogram

This evening the little one had her first echocardiogram. She has had some problems today maintaining the oxygen level in her blood. This required some help breathing and "bagging" earlier in the day but this is common for premature babies like her. As expected, the echocardiogram revealed that she has patent ductus arteriosus. (PDA) is a condition in which the connecting blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation, called the ductus arteriosus, stays open in a newborn baby and is very common in early premature babies. The neonatologist says that she would be surprised if the baby did not have the condition. There is medication that treats the condition and causes the artery to close as in full term babies. Occasionally a baby will need surgery but we will pray that this is not the case. Surgery is very rare. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.