In this Mother’s Day special podcast, hosts Dr. Kay and Dr. Saketh Guntupalli engage in a heartfelt discussion with their special guest, Desta Aspa, a prominent lawyer, about her harrowing experience with a life-threatening pregnancy condition called placenta percreta, diagnosed during her second pregnancy. Dr. Guntupalli explains that placenta percreta occurs when the placenta grows into the uterine wall and can lead to severe complications, including massive hemorrhaging during delivery. Desta shares her emotional journey from receiving the shocking diagnosis during a 20-week anatomy scan, where a doctor bluntly warned her of the danger involved, to actively advocating for herself and searching for the best medical care. She highlights the importance of being informed and questioning medical recommendations, particularly as an African-American woman facing statistical disparities in maternal health outcomes. The discussion emphasizes the critical nature of coordinated medical support during such high-risk pregnancies, including blood management, surgical preparation, and continuous monitoring. As the conversation unfolds, Desta recalls the challenges she faced post-delivery, including being separated from her newborn daughter for several days due to complications. Reflecting on the support from her family and medical team, she expresses immense gratitude, viewing Mother’s Day as a celebration of resilience and the miracle of life. The podcast ultimately underlines the necessity of early prenatal care and patient advocacy, especially in managing high-risk situations in obstetrics.
In this segment of the podcast, Dr. Kay and Dr. Saketh Guntupalli express their appreciation for the audience, especially on Mother’s Day, emphasizing the importance of self-care and support. Dr. Kay acknowledges the fear and anxiety that people often feel when researching medical issues, but encourages listeners to seek out knowledgeable teams who are familiar with their concerns. She stresses the value of reaching out to family, friends, and a support network, asserting that individuals can find help and that despite the information they may encounter appearing daunting, they can take positive steps forward. The segment concludes with heartfelt Mother’s Day wishes to all listeners.