In the Tracey household in Mount Vernon, Illinois, life is full of love, laughter and sometimes chaos, but Shayla and her husband are grateful for every moment as they raise their two boys and two girls. Behind the laughter and routines is a story shaped by prayer, careful monitoring, and quiet strength.
Years ago, during her first pregnancy, Shayla faced a devastating loss. She was diagnosed with a genetic blood-clotting condition that affected her baby’s growth. Her son was born at 28 weeks and passed away three days later from a pulmonary embolism, a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the lungs that is usually caused by a blood clot. That experience shaped every one of Shayla’s pregnancies that followed.
“That loss changed me forever, and it made every pregnancy after that one deeply covered in prayer, careful monitoring, and unwavering hope,” Shayla said.
A familiar fear
Following that loss, Shayla gave birth to two healthy boys. But physical problems returned in 2020. Shayla was pregnant with her daughter Myla when a routine ultrasound in her second trimester showed the baby was measuring small and that there were other abnormalities. Doctors grew concerned and, because of her medical history, Shayla’s pregnancy was closely monitored. Four years later, the same thing happened again with her daughter Milani.
“When I first found out about Myla and Milani's diagnoses, my initial reaction was fear. I was nervous and overwhelmed, and honestly afraid that I might lose them the same way I lost my first son. That kind of fear is hard to put into words,” explained Shayla.
Both times, Shayla was referred to the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon St. Louis Fetal Care Institute. There, a team of specialists helped guide her care with skill, compassion, and calm.
“My OB-GYN told me I would be in the best hands, and I truly felt that,” Shayla said. “It gave me comfort to know that they truly cared about both me and my babies, and that they were walking with me every step of the way. I believe God led me there for a reason, to receive the support, wisdom, and care we needed during such a critical time.”
Understanding fetal growth restriction and the path forward
Shayla’s clotting disorder had caused a condition called Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR), previously referred to as Intrauterine Growth Restriction. This occurs when a baby does not grow at the expected rate during pregnancy, often due to issues with the placenta or maternal health conditions. Babies with FGR may face higher risks during birth and need more frequent monitoring.
“When we identify FGR early, our goal is to give the baby the best chance at a healthy delivery,” said Dr. Chris Buchanan, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who is the medical director of the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute. “By carefully tracking growth and blood flow, we can often make decisions that help prevent emergency situations later in the pregnancy.”
Beginning in her third trimester, Shayla had ultrasounds and stress tests twice a week with her OB-GYN and monthly visits with the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute. Each appointment brought reassurance and peace.
“Even with all the appointments and uncertainty, I tried to focus on the joy of carrying life. I believe that peace was God’s grace covering me and my babies,” Shayla recalled.
Two beautiful beginnings
Both Myla and Milani were delivered by planned cesarean section at 37 weeks at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. Each delivery went smoothly. Shayla remembers the calm in the room as she finally held her daughters for the first time.
“I truly felt God’s presence in the room, covering me, guiding the hands of the doctors, and bringing peace to my heart. After all the appointments, prayers, and waiting, finally holding my babies in my arms was a moment I’ll never forget. It was a powerful reminder that God is faithful and His timing is always perfect,” she said.
Today, Myla is a spunky, small-but-mighty confident 5-year-old. Milani, who turns 1 in September, is full of smiles and light. Though both girls were born small, they have continued to grow and thrive.
“They are living proof that God is faithful and that His plans are greater than our fears,” Shayla said.
To any mom facing a similar situation, Shayla said, “My heartfelt advice is to hold tightly to your faith and lean on your support system. It’s natural to feel scared and overwhelmed, but remember that you are not alone. Trust that God is with you every step of the way, even when the path seems uncertain.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help, and take things one day at a time. Celebrate the small victories and keep hope alive in your heart. Miracles happen every day, and with faith and perseverance, you can get through this journey stronger than you ever imagined."
