Bethany’s baby
I received the following note and photos this morning. They are self-explanatory.
Dear Jill,
The reason I’m emailing is because a little over two weeks ago I experienced a miscarriage. It was very difficult to deal with, as I was so excited about having a fourth child and had no idea anything was wrong until the day I had the routine ultrasound, and the doctors told me that the baby had died in my womb. I had to wait a week to miscarry the baby, and it was so difficult.
Once the baby came, I took several pictures of the baby, who was around six weeks old when he or she died. These pictures were first taken for myself, so that I would never forget what my baby looked like….
But I want to share the pictures with you, because you may be able to do something with them to help the pro-life cause. I feel if the loss of my baby can do anything to help save the life of even one baby, my baby will not have died in vain. Do you think there is any way you can use them for the pro-life cause? I trust your judgement and know that whatever you choose to do with them will be respectful to my baby’s life.
I realize there are many textbook images, but somehow I think a picture taken by a “regular” woman – up close and personal pictures – might be more helpful than other pictures and help people realize the reality of those images… that they’re not fake… because even though I was extremely pro-life before I saw my baby and had already seen hundreds of pictures of fetuses in the womb, seeing this real baby in front of my eyes really was incredibly amazing. How complex they are!
Bethany
View my blog (usually updated daily): http://bethany.preciousinfants.com
View my pencil drawings and wall murals: http://www.sketchesbybethany.net
P.S. My baby died due to a brain abnormality. So you will notice that the head does look a little strange at the top, and that is the reason why. Aren’t the little fingers and toes beautiful?
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
wow
mk
That’s horrible. I’m very sorry for her loss. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be looking forward to having a new addition to your family only to have it die in utero. :-(
It’s kind of funny (not ha ha funny) when you think about it, that this post should sum up everything we have been trying to say about new life. And that it came right on the heels of the previous post…
Put this post together with the last post and you could pretty much put the whole thing into two words:
the “ULITIMATE GIFT”
I wasn’t shouting, just emphasizing.
MK
Thank you for sharing your baby with all of Jill’s readers Bethany. Your baby is beautiful.
Jill, I am overwhelmed with gratitude…thank you so much…
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Bethany,I am sorry for your loss as well.
Jill
First of all, this has absolutely nothing to do with my personal views on abortion, so please read this as though its from a fellow medical professional, not from someone who’s politics you disagree with.
You have posted photographs of a deceased fetus, from a woman who had a miscarriage only 2 weeks ago. She is still in a state of extreme grief, and possibly shock. While she has every right to do what she wishes with these photos, you posting them is a different story. At this point, ANYONE could copy these photographs from your website and use them out of context, alter them, publish them, etc., compromising the privacy of this woman. Even though she gave you the blessing to do whatever you wanted with them, I think the responsible thing to do would have been to publish her story and her links, but refrain from posting the pictures. If someone were to use these images in some sick way (which has happened PLENTY of times by pro lifers AND pro choicers), you could be held responsible, as Bethany could quite easily, and justifiably, say that she was in a state of grief and had not thought out what could happen to those photographs should they be posted for a large audience on the internet.
You believe a fetus is a child, yet would you post pictures of a murdered 2 year old on your website if a grieving mother sent them to you no more than 2 weeks after the child was killed?
I sincerely hope not.
In working with teen girls who often use the internet as their primary source of photo-sharing and communication, I have seen just how damaging personal photographs can be when posted in a public arena and basically handed to people who will use them in harmful ways.
I urge to to reconsider posting this woman’s private photographs in such a way. And please do not make this about my stance on abortion, considering this fetus was miscarried in the first place, I can assure you it has NOTHING to do with how I feel about abortion, but rather how I feel about VERY, VERY sensitive and private information being displayed in an irresponsible manner.
Amanda, I sincerely appreciate your concern for my emotional well being, and I think that they come from a spirit of kindness…so thank you for caring.
I can assure you that although I am still in a state of grief over losing my child (who I named Blessing), I was fully aware that posting them on the internet does pose some risks. However, I am willing to take those risks for the pro-life cause.
If I were to do nothing with these photos, I would always wonder if there were someone out there who could have been informed and possibly changed their mind about having an abortion.
You asked if Jill would post pictures of a murdered child…but my child was not murdered…he or she died of natural causes which I nor anyone else had control of. Because of this, there is no shame in posting the pictures….these pictures are the truth, of what many people do not even realize is actually there at 6 weeks in the womb.
Even I did not know they were that fully formed in the womb at that time…even though I have been to pro-life websites for years, and had seen nearly every picture there is to see of the fetal stages… So I felt that if I didn’t even know this myself, how could I expect others to, especially the people who truly feel that a baby is just a blob of tissue?
I want people to be educated about the facts of life in the womb…. there is truly a living human being in there, and I want people to understand that.
Thank you to all who have posted condolences…it means a lot to me.
Bethany,
Your baby is in the arms of a loving God and will never suffer again. No tears, no pain, no death, to be fully clothed in a glorified body, a beatiful body we can’t imagine this side of heaven. And you will see your baby someday and together you will walk in the gardens and live in the mansion the Lord has prepared for you both to enjoy, forever. I know this is true without a shadow of a doubt.
It’s difficult to understand God in these situations, however, it is not our right to question. We are only to trust in an infintely loving God who ultimately loves us unconditionally.
I want you to know what courage you have shown in sharing the grief of your loss. You could have chosen to just keep it to yourself. You obviously understand the value of every life, no matter what stage of development they are in. Any one with a heart cannot deny that this was a living soul destined for greatness and greatness it has acheived in it short time of existence here on earth.
Your baby had a purpose and gave it’s life so that maybe, just maybe, one woman would decide against an abortion by seeing these photos. Yes, this “least of these” is a special, very special person and you must be a very special mother. God does not allow this type of thing to happen to ordinary individuals.
Jill, you did the exact right thing in posting these photos. Post more and make them more public, shout it at the world.
As a man, I am in awe of two of the most courageous women I know of, Jill and Bethany. I wish more en had 1/100th of the courage you two have.
Abortion is murder and abortionists are murderers. That’s the truth and no false intellectuals or scientific facts or published papers will ever change that.
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Without the fear of the Lord one is just a self-deceived fool.
Amanda, your concern for Bethany is honestly touching.
Had I not posted the photos of Bethany’s baby at her request, it would have been disrespectful and caused Bethany more pain. These are her child’s only baby photos.
Many parents try to cause good to come from the tragedy of their child’s death. Doing so is brave, healthy, and healing. I think of Adam Walsh’s father John, who created “America’s Most Wanted,” or Jessica Lunsford’s father Mark, who has been travelling the country urging states to enact “Jessica’s Law.”
In this case, Bethany would like her child’s death to help stop abortion by showing how completely and miraculously formed her baby was when s/he was only 42 days old and the size of a kidney bean.
I laud Bethany for that and appreciate her help. Americans are by and large against second- and third-trimester abortions but have yet to understand the humanity of a first trimester baby. Bethany is helping in this extremely important area, not only by sharing her baby’s photos but by sharing her grief.
Grief about miscarriages is also important to validate, and your note has been helpful in that regard, Amanda. People often do not understand how deeply one feels the loss of a child through miscarriage.
Hope this helps calm your concerns, Amanda. And Bethany, I appreciate your taking the time to respond, too.
I “met” Bethany through her blog and followed the story of her baby’s loss.
These are beautiful, amazing pictures and I truly admire this mommy’s willingness to share them with the world!
Amen to that His Man. I second the motion!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, HisMan….and Margaret and Momof3. :)
Thanks for posting this story. My wife and I were expecting our second child last August and she miscarried about 6 weeks in. It’s so weird to miss someone you’ve never met…but we do. Time has healed, but we still think of our little one that is in our Savior’s arms. May God heal your heart with his love.
I’m sorry for your loss, bigdog….I completely understand what you mean. Even at such an early time, losing a baby due to miscarriage is so emotionally painful…you’re not only losing the baby, but the hopes and dreams you had for that baby, and having to say goodbye to that little one that you were so willing to welcome into your arms and into the family! Thank goodness that we have hope of seeing our babies again, and that we know that there is a reason or everything that happens…even if we can’t see it at the moment. God knows what He’s doing. Thank you for your kind words.
bethany is a truly amazing person. I have met her through her website and admire her for her strength and courage. When I suffered a miscarriage my husband found her website for me because of his concern for me. She willingly opened herself up to me and shared her grief and pictures of Blessing. I was not able to see my baby due to a D&C and being lied to by the doctor but her baby gave my baby a face. Miscarriage is not looked at by the medical community and by society as a loss of life but just a loss of tissue. If it were just tissue why did I have to fill out a death certificate? One wonders? Do aborted babies get the same or are they just thrown away like common trash? I always was against abortion but after suffering a miscarriage I am even more against it. We need a medical community to stand up against the demands of pro-choicers and show the real facts of abortion. If abortion is just a medical procedure how come it is not done on live tv like a colonoscopy? Do the abortionists know it is life they are taking but don’t want to admit it due to the lucritve money they receive? I have personally known 2 women who had abortions at young ages (I met them when they were older) and the grief and pain they still carried with them was incredible..even after 20+ years. I am thankful for Bethany because she was able to share her beautiful baby with the world to educate people on womb development. Thanks bethany and thank you Jill for this site.
I lost a baby about 7 years ago at 10 weeks gestation. Most heartbreaking thing that ever happened to me……. but now am involved in care of Chernobyl children with my husband. God knows the beginning from the end. Like you, I saw the arms, legs, spine, it was awful….. and that is the worst bit.
God Bless……….
I am so sorry for your loss…I am 48 and just miscarried after accidently becoming pregnant…
That’s actually really cool. I lost my baby at 10 weeks it stopped growing in my womb at around 8 weeks and took actually look at a real picture and think that’s what my baby could have looked like that’s really amazing.
I just had a miscarriage yesterday and they will be doing a D&C to remove the baby. I was 10 weeks and baby stopped growing at 6 weeks but was still alive till a couple days ago. Thank You for providing these real pics. Sorry for your loss.
thank-you for these photos. I jsut had a miscarriage at about 8 weeks along. I miscarried at home and was not able to see anything of my baby as everything was still in the sac. These images are very comforting to me – there was REAL baby in there!
thank-you for sharing.
I had a miscarriage 5 weeks ago at 10 weeks pregnant and my doctor chose not to do a DNC scrape instead let nature take its course and let me pass everything on my own.
Just last night I passed something that fell in the toilet and although it was irrecognizable I now know that was my baby. Thank you for posting these.
Bethany,
Thank you so much for posting a pic of your baby she/he is beautiful! I had a miscarriage 2 days ago and it was the most pain I have ever had. Seeing your baby as mine would have looked ( I was 6 weeks and 5 days) made me feel, I don’t know how to explain? To say it made me have a pice of mind and comfort if that makes any sence? I am sorry for your loss, and thank you again for your picture of “Blessing”.
Crissy
Thanks for sharing this. I found out just yesterday that my 12 week old baby has no heart beat, the doctor sent me home to let the baby pass naturally. I am dreading the passing of it. You are so brave to show the world your loss, I wish I could be so brave. Thanks again.
I am so sorry for your loss, I also lost a baby at 8 weeks in September of 08,I know nobody can say or do anything that will make you feel any better… they say time heals all wounds, but I’m not so sure that applies to loosing a baby, I know what you are going through and you are in my prayers. I have since become pregnant again, only 1 month after our loss, my husband and I learned we are pregnant… My second and his first baby, we also have 5 adopted children, so this is #7, we r having a lil girl. My husband is almost 45 and didn’t think he could have children, but God has truly blessed us and he will also bless you and your family, our lil girl is due in June 2009. Good luck to you and your family!
I am 8 weeks pregnant and am in the process of miscarrying. My baby only developed to 6 weeks. I saw your photo and was terrified. I did additional research. At six weeks the hands are not developed. The embryo is so tiny you would not be able to capture this image with a camera.
Can you please explain how you did this.
I have no children and it is devasting to lose what would have been my 3rd. I have two other children in heaven.
Please explain this photo. I was really scared that I would pass a fetus like this but my dr. said it was not possible.
Mary, I am so very sorry for your losses. I can’t imagine how devastating it has been for you to have to endure three and have no other children.
I have had two miscarriages, and one was told to have been twins possibly…so I know it’s hard, especially when you want to have a baby so badly.
The picture in the post above was from my first miscarriage – I wasn’t able to find the baby from my second. It isn’t always possible to find them, and so often people do a d & c instead of natural miscarriage nowadays so they don’t get to see after that either.
I do not know why your doctor would have told you that your baby is not big enough to see at that stage of development – I’ve read enough to know that this is simply untrue (not to mention, having seen it with my own two eyes!)
I do not want to say that she/he was intentionally lying to you, but she is incorrect.
PLEASE visit this link:
http://www.ehd.org/prenatal-images-index.php
You will see images that are absolutely incredible and on this site there is actually VIDEO of a 6 week unborn child which looks like my baby. Here is the video:
http://www.ehd.org/movies.php?mov_id=30#content
I hope that it will help you, and please don’t feel scared or threatened by this. This is how God creates us all in the womb. It is a beautiful thing. However, it is so terribly painful to have to endure the pain of losing a child. I just hope that you will find comfort and peace. Please, feel free to email me anytime you need support or encouragement. I will be here for you.
bethany(at)jillstanek.com
Another video, showing the hands in particular:
http://www.ehd.org/movies.php?mov_id=35&cell=4
Mary,
I am so sorry. So very sorry for what you are enduring right now and have endured in the miscarriages of your children. I have had two miscarriages myself and held one baby in my hand. I was ten weeks along. Everything that Blessing is in those photos is what I held in my hand, only bigger.
I know it is so very hard to pass through the stages of grief and I hope that very soon you will not be scared but able to embrace your child in your heart and in your life.
I am here for you as well, Mary.
carla(at)jillstanek.com
i am very sorry for your loss im 19 years old i was 7 weeks 2 days i just lost my baby and it hurts so much everyone is asking hows the baby it makes me wanna cry
Amanda,
Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. I am so sorry about your baby. My heart is aching for you. I know too well the pain and grief a miscarriage causes. Please cry when you need to and do whatever you need to do in your grief.
WE GRIEVE BECAUSE WE LOVE.
You may email me if you would like.
carla(at)jillstanek.com
Amanda, I’m so sorry for your loss and your pain.
One of the hardest things is having to deal with people who don’t know and explain to them what has happened.
After I had my first miscarriage, people kept asking me about the baby and I would sometimes just burst into tears, even though I had felt fine moments before. It was very difficult to actually say the words without crying. It took me several months before I was able to do that.
Even though it seems like it will never end, you will heal over time … but don’t be ashamed to let yourself grieve however long you need to. It is part of the healing process.
Please let me or Carla know if you ever need any support…a listening ear, anything.
i cant beleive this is a baby of 6weeks in the womb.im 19 years old and had my first miscarraige last month,i have no previous children,i lost at 7weeks,and to see this picture amazes me,as i didn think the baby would be so developed like this,i thought it would of jus been a clot of blood,and i remember whe it was happing ne i knew something bigger had came out,i only wish i had of knowin at the time the baby looked like this i would of trying to give it a better send off than flushing it down the toilet…anyways im thankful to see this picture.X
Grace, I am so sorry for your loss. ((hugs))
im very sorry for your loss i recently went through the same thing and no exactly what you went through your baby didnt die in vien
Thank you so much, Anonymous. I’m sorry for your loss.
This is mildly disturbing.
Why does it disturb you, Anonymous?
This is so sad, I just cried when I saw this and all the posting from people who are caring and can sympothize with this situation. I am having issues right now with my pregnancy and am waiting to hear tomorrow what the result is my heart breaks for all of you who have had to endure this and I am amazed by all of your courage and willingness to discuss such a sensitive topic to many women who have been through this situation. Thank you for being brave enough to share this with everyone
Anonymous, I hope that your troubles turn out to be nothing…I pray that your baby will be safe! I will be thinking about you tomorrow.
can anyone tell me there story on miscarraige and went on to have healthy baby soon after wards?..i already wrote in to this and explained my story abit.i had a m/c 2months ago at 7weeks,since that i have had two periods,just having no luck so far in getting pregnant again,its sooooo frustraing!!!!!!!!!
so could someone share there story and give me some hope ,id be very greatful..
also my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has gone true a m/c
everything turns out okay in the end if its not okay its not the end ..xxx
Grace, I actually know of several women who have miscarried and have gone on to have another healthy pregnancy and baby that went to full term. One of them had a miscarriage and went on to get pregnant the very next month. Another lost a baby and didn’t conceive again for another year and a half. I do know of one woman who had SIX miscarriages and finally conceived a baby…that baby grew up to be my sister’s husband. So there is hope!
I haven’t been as fortunate- yet… so I understand your pain. It’s been over 2 years since I had my miscarriage, and still no baby. It makes me sad sometimes, especially when I see other people with babies, and pregnant women, and I wonder why that can’t be me.
But I know that God has other plans for me right now. Sometimes it’s really hard, but I know that God can see the future and I am just so shortsighted.
I know that when it is the right time, God will allow me to have another baby… but for right now, I just have to trust that He knows what is best for me.
It’s not easy, I know. I pray that you will be given the strength to get through each month, and I hope that you will be blessed with another baby very soon!
thanks bethany,you are so very right i no that,you advise is true,but as im sure you no some days you might not beleive it yourself,but when the time is right,and for whatever reason now is just not right.
i went true a stage i thought i couldn get pregnant,i was trying for 8 monthes.and then FINALLY i found out i was,1week later i lost,now it seems all my friends are pregnant,im happy for them but stil at the same time as i watch them grow i still think how big i would be now if things would have turned out,
my thoughts are also with you ,i think iv been trying long then i read your story,we just all have to stay strong and carry on until it happens,which it will…someday!!!
thank you so much for writing back you have just made my day,you are a kind person i no that by this picture you are helping alot of women,some may never write but just by reading the storys.iv read millionnnnnsss of things like this but find this very helpful.so i just want to say thank you :)
that was me who sent that last message
Grace, i’d give you a big hug if I could.
I hope you have a blessed week. :)
You can email me anytime at mail(at)preciousinfants.com.
hi josie,my name is grace u might of already read my story.if not just look up on the page.im 19 and had my first miscarraige about 2 months ago now.and i have to say it is the hardest thing in the world,at any age,every women feels the same thing,i beleive it was just gods way of saying i was not ready yet,maybe its the same for you.i was trying for 8 months for my baby so it was relly wanted,i think i wanted it too much,now im just going to take it easy,it will happen when it needs to,
and i know how you feel that most things you read on the internet women who went true this are older than us,sometimes you need advise and just someone to talk to the same age,if you ever want to chat or anything at all.just ask for my email and id be happy to give it to you.
just no il be praying for you true this hard time.your not alone.
Josie, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how easy it is to feel that you are to blame when you have a miscarriage but I can assure you- it was NOT your fault. Here is a website that might help you deal with some of the questions that you’ll be facing as you go through the grief process after your miscarriage – I hope that it will be of some help and comfort to you:
From Pregnancyloss.info:
http://www.pregnancyloss.info/myths.htm
Sometimes after your miscarriage you will remember straining to lift something, worry over the three martinis you drank before you took the pregnancy test, or wonder if you should have still been working out. None of this matters. Miscarriage happens, whether we do our best to prevent it or not. Here is a list of commonly blamed factors that are NOT causes of miscarriage.
These things do NOT cause miscarriage:
Stress. Everyone worries about the baby. Many experience traumatic life events during pregnancy, such as family deaths, even deaths of children or the baby’s father. You will get through it, and your baby will too. As a strong case in point, over 50 women were pregnant when their husbands died on September 11 in a terrorist attack on the United States. Their babies are arriving, kicking and squawling, despite the pregnancy occurring during the absolute worst days of their mothers’ lives.
Sex, even the passionate kind. Orgasm may scare you when your uterus enlarges because you can feel the contractions, but it doesn’t do anything to the baby other than maybe rock him to sleep (or get him to kick you to stop and let him sleep already.) Sometimes you will have spotting after sex, but this is just because the cervix is very soft and filled with blood. A little banging sometimes makes it bleed a little, but this is not a problem. You only need to curtail your loving if your doctor has told you to do so.
Lifting your toddler or older children. Your body will complain to the point of making you drop them well before you can do anything that is harmful. Remember to pick them up by squatting and lifting with your legs, not bending over and lifting with your back. This is still not a miscarriage factor, but will save you many aches and pains.
Working out. This is actually something that helps you and the baby. There are some rules, however. Do not get your heart rate above 140 (still not a miscarriage factor, but does start to reduce the amount of oxygen to the baby) or work until you feel faint or exhausted.
Getting kicked or hit in the stomach. Remember the baby is well protected, and only you will hurt. This is often done during the night by a sleepless child you have pulled into bed with you, but if it is by a partner or other adult, get help. You don’t need to bring a child into a world where abuse is present. Please visit http://www.ncadv.org/ for help and information on domestic violence.
Poor eating habits. The baby will rob you of the nutrients it needs and only you will suffer. However, you can cause a low birth-weight baby with developmental problems if you refuse to have a healthy diet through the entire pregnancy. You should still eat well, but don’t blame a miscarriage on your eating habits.
Drinking before you knew you were pregnant. The majority of women do this and it has no bearing on miscarriage. I personally tossed quite a few tequila shots the night I had a negative pregnancy test on the ninth month of trying. Two days later another test was positive. I didn’t blink an eye. The baby doesn’t get a drop of blood before implantation, and receives so little for the first few weeks that you really just don’t need to worry about it. If you continue drinking once you know you are pregnant, however, you can cause a serous problem with Fetal Alchohol Syndrome. Once the test is positive, pick up baby bottles, not liquor ones.
Scaring the baby. Just because a near accident, or loud terrible noise, earthquake, or other event scared you, does not mean the baby even noticed. Even if the baby does jump upon hearing something loud, this is just a startle reflex and actually a healthy sign that he or she is developing normally. Babies do not have “heart attacks” from fright or get scared “to death.” This is a persistent myth in several cultures and simply does not have any basis in fact.
The baby “knowing” it was unwanted. Just because a pregnancy surprised you, and even if you debated having an abortion, you did not cause your baby to die. This is a grief and guilt emotion you are feeling, but it is not true. The fact is, at least 10% of all babies die, whether they were desperately wanted or not.
These things may cause complications, but not typically a miscarriage:
Falling. We all become klutzes as our belly expands, joints loosen, and our center of balance changes. Most falls do not cause any harm to the baby. If, however, you experience bleeding or serious soreness afterward, or if you landed square on your belly in the second trimester or later, see a doctor to check the placenta for tears. Otherwise just be embarrassed.
Car accidents. While some people will blame their miscarriage on an accident, usually it isn’t so. The baby is very well protected in its amniotic fluid, so unless the stomach and uterus is punctured, or the woman undergoes a period of cardiac arrest or without breathing, the baby should survive. Certainly get checked after a car accident, but don’t worry too much about miscarriage. It is rare in this case.
Lifting something heavy. This caution is really for women who can cause a placental tear in the second or third trimester. This does not necessarily mean a miscarriage, and usually if you feel terrible pains later, it just means that you strained one of the round ligaments holding your uterus in place. A little rest will be all that is needed. If you have bleeding, however, it is time to get a sonogram just to be sure you didn’t pull a bit of the placenta away, although this will almost always heal itself without incident.
BUT!
Yes, I know. You started bleeding right after sex, or right after a workout. Or your baby died the day after the car accident, or the checkup at the hospital after you fell down showed no heartbeat. These things MUST have caused the miscarriage, because babies don’t just die, right?
WRONG.
Babies do just die. Over half of all miscarriages are caused by chromosomal factors that are completely out of our hands. Not preventable. Nothing we can do. The majority of the others are also unrelated to anything we personally did, but some infection that got us, a poorly formed placenta or umbilical cord, a hormone problem, or health condition we didn’t know about. Don’t let anyone, not even your partner or your mother (or yes, the mother-in-law) tell you this was your fault. It absolutely, positively was not.
I’m am truly and deeply sorry for everyone who has gone through a miscarriage. I myself have just been through one, and I know how hard it can be. Bethany, Blessing is so beautiful! Some people may think that it’s weird, but you can never really understand unless it’s happened to you.
I started bleeding and cramping one day, and we went to the ER, and they did blood work, and my hCG level was 123. And they did an ultrasound, but they claimed that they couldn’t tell me what they saw. Then when I got home around 2am, I passed something that kinda looked like a clot, but I had a gut feeling and I knew that it was my baby. I was only 5 weeks along. Then they didn’t tell me at the hospital if it was a miscarriage or not. So I needed to see an ObGyn 2 days later to get my levels checked again, and they had gone up to 136, but they still couldn’t tell if it was a miscarriage or not. Then I had to wait 2 more days later to get them rechecked, and they told me yesterday that I did indeed miscarry. The levels had fallen to 126. It’s hard to explain how you could love someone that you have never met and know nothing about. But it’s my baby, and no matter what, you’ll always love the baby. I thank you for letting me share my story because it’s really helped me to cope. It’s still hard, but my husband and I are looking forward to trying again and hopefully everything works out.
You’re such a strong person, and my God bless you and strengthen you during these difficult times. I really like what ‘His Man’ said, “your baby is in the arms of a loving God and will never suffer again. No tears, no pain, no death, to be fully clothed in a glorified body, a beautiful body we can’t imagine this side of heaven. And you will see your baby someday and together you will walk in the gardens and live in the mansion the Lord has prepared for you both to enjoy, forever. I know this is true without a shadow of a doubt. it’s difficult to understand God in these situations, however, it is not our right to question. We are only to trust in an infinitely loving God who ultimately loves us unconditionally.” I copied that saying an printed it out. It really touched my heart, and I aslo know that to be true. I will always carry this saying around with me wherever I go. Hope all is well, and thank you again.
Love In Christ,
islandbaby012
Islandbaby, thank you so much for your kind words. I hope that you have found healing and grace since your loss. (hugs)
I really appreciate seeing this picture, because it gave me some insite on the whole situation (how the baby looks already) and clarified my miscarriage I had last month. Mines was only 2 weeks, but you could see the eye in the “clob of snot” foresay. You were bold for posting it and I pray that your family is well now and that your heart is calm
nation,
I’m sorry for your loss. Just trying to wrap my head around the “clob of snot” terminology you use to refer to your child, though. I hope you’re well.
Someone above used that terminology…I’m just saying that it came to a surprise to had lost the baby so early && I could see their eye through the “snot” that surrounded my unborn child, && it took me until this past week to come to terms with the loss I had encountered…#still devastated w/ no-one but a blog to confide in
I’m very, very, VERY sorry for your loss. I’m sorry I misunderstood you at first as well. I hope someone here can come along soon and give you some resources.
I am so happy you posted these photos!! I am 7 weeks pregnant today! I am about to have my 2nd ultrasound and wanted to see images of how a baby would look at 7 weeks. When I ran into this site it made me so sad to see your baby didn’t make it but so excited to see how amazing you are to think of those who kill these innocent angels from God!! I am so very sorry for your loss!! Thank you so much for sharing with us and for trying to help prevent more murders of our innocent babies!!! May God Bless you always and know that he is holding your baby in his arms!!! <3 my heart goes out to you!
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I am very pro life myself and these pictures just brought tears to my eyes. This shows that even at a young age, despite what others think this is a REAL baby. I had an early 6 week sonogram today and of course it didn’t show much. But seeing these pictures is a reminder of that little life that’s growing and developing inside of me.
Thank you for sharing these. You’re such a strong woman to do this. I hope that the right women see these, the ones that are unsure of whether or not they should continue their pregnancies. Sorry again for your loss, but wish you luck on your endeavour to educate women early in their pregnancies!
Bethany, I was online looking for images that would be suitable to introduce my children ages 3, 7, and 8 to their sibling, who I miscarried on my 38th birthday weekend and passed 4/3/12. I was about 6wks 5 days along. I had a miscarriage late October 11 around 5 weeks, but this one is much harder for me. Clinging to Jesus, especially during this Easter season, has been my heart’s comfort. My living children are such miracles, and every day I want to give thanks for the gift of life! I have been wishing that I would have tried harder to look for my baby the day s/he was ‘born’, so I was very much drawn to your pictures. Thank you for posting! And the video resources – invaluable as I teach my kids about the ways God is at work in the womb! Incredible.
And reading everyone’s comments on here has been a comfort as well. I want to know how you are all doing, as some of the posts were almost 5 years ago!
Also, my grief is still so fresh, and I am grateful to be given this glimpse into the hurt and pain of so many women. God will and already has used this sweet baby mist of a life to affect others for His cause. He loves us so much. He cries with us. He grieves with us. And He is holding my baby now – my whole and complete and healthy baby. Thank you, Lord!
Sheila,
I apologize for your loss as well. At least you have 3 other beautiful children; I know that doesn’t heal the pain, but just know that God makes no mistakes. In the end, us women must link up in the strife during our times of loss and grievance.
I know this is an older post, but i wanted to tell you how beautiful Blessing is. Amazing. I’m glad you took these pictures to remember your beautiful baby, and to share with everyone. Blessing is a lucky baby to be loved so much, even at an age that some people don’t consider is life yet.
i felt the same thing as you too.. i just had a miscarriages this month @ April 2, 2012 and it really hurt my feelings.. i’ve been crying the whole month for it…. i know that it took me a while of not to think about that anymore.. But i just can’t let it go because i kept on thinking about that over and over again.. When i read your paper you wrote, i was like omg it hurt my feelings so much… thanks’..
I want to say sorry to everyone who has had a miscarriage. I’ve had 2 of them myself. March was 4 years since my last one. I have had no children since then but I am trying. 2 days before my miscarriage I had a prenatal appt and the dr didn’t do the required tests and 2 days later I miscarried. I was 7 weeks 3 days. And the same day before I went to the er my mom was shopping for clothes. I still have the onesies she bought. You never really get over the miscarriage. It only gets easier to deal with over time. There’s times where I still do cry because I lost my baby. But I was 22 at the time and probably not ready for a baby even though in my mind that’s what I truly wanted. I know someone who had 5 miscarriages and has a son. So, I still have hopes that I can carry a baby to full term. Good luck to everyone. And god bless!
Wow. I have a lump in my throat.
I too lost a baby at 6weeks back in 2009 was my first and to think that’s what it could of looked like has amazed me. I knew when the miscarriage took place and had seen the sack come out of myself but wouldn’t have thought that if i had taken a closer look i could have found something like this. Although it was heart breaking i now have a daughter of 2 years and a second baby on the way.
Its never easy to lose a child at what ever stage of there life.
All the best xx
im so sorry about your loss omg that wasfor real, i may be preggo also around 3 weeks now that brought tears to my eyes and we pray for a baby so much , i pray peace for your baby and you.try again dont lose hope
Thank you so much for sharing your pictures. These are the best pictures to help my family connect with my unborn child. For me to connect, as well.I’m very sorry for your loss, my last miscarriage was in 1999 and I was too young to understand what was happening. I’m 31 now and value this baby so much! My entire life has been altered. Btw…I was born on right to life day. I wish images of little Blessing could be shared with more women how are uneducated and unaware if just how alive a baby is by the time they find out they are pregnant.
Thank you, Bethany.
From one Bethany to another, my heart goes out to you. To all of you who have lost :( To the person asking if it’s possible to have a healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage – absolutely! I had a horrid m/c years ago, then went on to have my youngest :) Last year we were surprised to learn I was pregnant again…all went well until 15 weeks, when…well, whatever happened happened. You’re so right about there not having to be a set cause – sometimes it’s just nature telling you there’s something not right. Unfortunately, not amount of hoping, wishing, etc. will change the outcome in cases like that. I chose to allow him to come out on his own…then bundled his little self up and buried him under a gorgeous rhododendron. A few people thought I was a nutter for (1) opting to let nature happen and (2) planting my son under a bush, but to me? To me it made perfect sense!! Each green leaf, each beautiful blossom reminds me of him, and though it still makes me sad, I’m happy to see the new life in each bloom.
Thank you for shareing this I had an appointment to have an abortion your photos changed my mind thank you
I’m recently separated from my husband due to infedelity. I’m also pregnant. Facing this alone was definitely not planned for myself or my baby. being a single parent is unimaginable and somehow I feel like I’ve failed my unborn Child by getting pregnant by someone who would do that to me. Sometimes I wonder if saving the baby from the shame and embarrassment of not having a good father by not having it would be better. I didn’t plan to end up another statistic but when I see the pictures of your child even though years ago, it gives me hope that he (the baby) is a good thing and maybe GOD wI’ll smile on him and give him a blessed life. Maybe the purpose of your child was to save my child and many more. Thanks…. Lesley
I’m recently separated from my husband due to infedelity. I’m also pregnant. Facing this alone was definitely not planned for myself or my baby. being a single parent is unimaginable and somehow I feel like I’ve failed my unborn Child by getting pregnant by someone who would do that to me. Sometimes I wonder if saving the baby from the shame and embarrassment of not having a good father by not having it would be better. I didn’t plan to end up another statistic but when I see the pictures of your child even though years ago, it gives me hope that he (the baby) is a good thing and maybe GOD wI’ll smile on him and give him a blessed life. Maybe the purpose of your child was to save my child and many more. Thanks….
i dont think i have ever sat down and read an entire conversation on something so important in books or the internet, or anything for that fact. i am so sorry for everyone this has happen to. i find it truley inspirational that women come together and open up about all different aspects and sides of their stories to help. i am almost due with my first child and find myself truley blessed to be in the situation im in. ive had a misscarge once at 19 and im now 22, although i didnt know it at the time. i am not sad however because i know it was not the right time nore could i have provided any kind of a good life because mine was so wrecked. sometimes things happen for a reason beyond our control. i just want everyone to know how special they are and dont lose hope ever. i wish everyome the best of luck in the future. i know my life has changed so much and i count all my blessings everyday and appreciate the life i was given. with all the love in the world my heart goes out….Brandi
SorRy to hear bout ur baby
And also he/she is gorgeous hope u can pull together and be ok
I am so sorry this as happened. How ever sad the baby is still beautiful. I am struggling to conceive my second and his first and I miscarried in Nov 2011 not a far gone a this but my heart feels so empty right now. I send loving thoughts to all who has suffered miscarriage.
iam so sorry to hear about your loss i just found out am having a baby iam 4weeks n 2days i just hope everything goes great u really inspire me to stop smoking so my baby will have a better chance of living thank u for sharing your story with me may god bless u
Thank you so much for these pictures. I had a miscarriage at 6 weeks, back in April. It’s comforting to know what my baby would have looked like. So sorry :(
I just learned that I am expecting my first baby and I am currently 6 weeks, 2 days.
As upsetting as this is, this has really helped me understand the growth of my baby. These pictures are beautiful.
And my condolences to Bethany.
Hello all, I’m just a regular commenter here, but wanted to take the time to reach out to those who’ve left recent posts. My sincerest condolences to those of you who’ve lost your pregnancy and unborn child through miscarriage and stillbirth. I’d like to help connect you with some healing and bereavement resources specific for pregnancy loss:
A Place to Remember
This site offers information and support for those who have been faced with a crisis during pregnancy or the death of a baby. There is also an on-line bookstore with many books that might be helpful to families.
Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death
M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death) is a Christian, non-profit organization that reaches out to families who have suffered the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death.
Mothers in Sympathy and Support
This website provides support to families after the death of their baby or young child in the form of conferences, an online memorial, and healing resources.
“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”
When an unborn baby or infant has died, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, through its nationwide network of professional photographers, will arrange a tasteful private sitting at the hospital with no charge for any services or pictures.
SHARE Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
SHARE’s mission is to serve those who are touched by the tragic death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death.
If you need a sympathetic ear or help finding resources in your community, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself on my blog or one of the moderators here under “Team”
Also, I’d like to reach out to those who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and/or pregnant for the first time. who came here while researching prenatal/fetal development
The Endowment for Human Development is a website showing the developing unborn in astonishing detail, using scientific images and details. And one gallery of movies provides subtitles in over 90 languages.
Unplanned Pregnancy Resources:
You can get real, confidential, free, non-judgmental help to continue your pregnancy and continue your goals and care for your family
Non-Violent Choice Directory
Life-affirming support for both the women and children of crisis pregnancy–before, during, and after birth. Includes a section of resources on ethical crisis pregnancy support services; mother; child health; parenting & child-rearing; adoption, foster care, guardianship; food and nutrition; clothing; shelter; finances; income; education; employment;career; and relationships.
Pregnancy Resource Centers:
Concerned About What You’ve Heard About Pregnancy Resource Centers
Read This!
4,800 life-affirming, CONFIDENTIAL, national organizations and agencies (3,400 in the USA and 1,400 outside the USA)
All “800,” “888” and “877” numbers are TOLL-FREE
Giving free, nonjudgmental, confidential services for girls and women facing unplanned pregnancies, including: pregnancy testing and options counseling, childbirth preparation and parenting/life skills courses, material aid (new and gently-used maternity/baby clothing, diapers, baby items, furniture, etc.), support groups for single parents and their family members, adoption decision making and post-adoption counseling, community referrals (housing, legal, medical, day care, employment, adoption), community education programs and post abortion programs. The objective of these organizations is not a political one, but a most practical one: to ensure that every woman knows that the resources she needs in order to continue her pregnancy are available.
International Pregnancy Resource Centers and Maternity Homes
Australia, Canada (providence-by-providence), England, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, United States (national and state-by-state)
International Pregnancy Resource for Jerusalem
Canadian Association of Pregnancy Support Services (CAPSS)
American Pregnancy Helpline
Afraid you’re pregnant? Considering abortion? The Helpline can help. They offer free and confidential pregnancy tests and information about your options. Very good secular emphasis, discusses all choices including abortion extremely non-judgmentally.
Phone: 1-888-4-OPTIONS or 1-800-672-2296
E-mail: mailto:maph@thehelpline.org
Continued…
Birthright International
Birthright provides non-religion-based caring, and non-judgmental support to girls and women who are distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Using its own resources and those of the community, Birthright offers positive and loving alternatives. They provide friendship and emotional support, free pregnancy testing, and maternity and baby clothes. They also give information and referrals to help clients meet legal, medical, financial, and housing needs. All Birthright services are free, absolutely confidential, and available to any woman regardless of age, race, creed, economic or marital status. 900 centers in the USA/Canada. Some in South Africa and Colombia.
Phone: 1-800-550-4900 (24hrs/7 days a week)
Locate a Center Near You: http://birthright.org/htmpages/locate.htm
Tel: 1-800-550-4900
CareNet International/Pregnancy Centers/OptionLine
A non-profit organization supporting a network of over 600 Christian-based pregnancy centers across the United States and Canada. These centers offer free pregnancy tests, peer-counseling, post abortion support and other practical help to women and men facing pregnancy-related concerns.
Phone: 1-800-395-HELP (1-800-395-4357) 24hrs/7 days a week
E-mail: answers@optionline.org
Catholic Charities
Social services for anyone (you don’t need to be Catholic) include: adoption, family support, help for at-risk children, housing assistance, job training, respite care, home care, parenting education, pregnancy counseling, prison ministry, refugee and immigration assistance, and treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
Phone: 1-800-CARE-002, 24-hour national service
The Gabriel Project
The Gabriel Project is an effort by church communities to help women in a crisis pregnancy. The mission is to provide the needed emotional, physical and spiritual support during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby as long as help is needed as well as to help women established relationships with members of the church, bringing new hope and comfort to those who are alone. See the website for state and local hotline numbers.
The Nurturing Network
“The objective of the Nurturing Network is not a political one, but a most practical one: to ensure that every woman knows that the resources she needs in order to continue her pregnancy are available by calling the Network’s toll free number: 1-800-TNN-4MOM. Volunteer members form an extensive employment, medical, educational, counseling and residential network which enables a mother to continue the life of her unborn child without sacrificing her own hopes and dreams. Services include medical assistance, financial assistance, nurturing homes, educational programs, employment, adoption counseling, preparation for parenthood. Staffed during normal business hours, specializing in help for college and professional women; 32,000 volunteer members (nurses, doctors, social workers).
Phone: 1-800-866-4666
Address: PO Box 1498, White Salmon, WA 98672
E-mail: tnn@nurturingnetwork.org
More Unplanned Pregnancy and Crisis Resources HERE
Other Great Scientific Prenatal Development Sites Include:
Multi-dimensional Human Embryo
University of New South Wales Embryology Website
The Visible Embryo
Again, if you need a sympathetic ear or help finding resources in your community, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself on my blog or one of the moderators here under “Team
I am very sorry for her loss, I cried when I read this, and saw the pictures. At 7 weeks a dr told me I had a ectopic pregnancy and I was going to loose my baby. After surgery the next morning and a night of no sleep and crying in the hospital, the dr told me it was a cyst and the baby was still there. I am 14 weeks now and feel very blessed of being able to vary this blessing.
I cry every time I hear and see of mis carriages it is is a very difficult and heart ache to go through. I never wish it on any women, knowing the feeling and waiting for it to be over, but something you’re never want to forget. Life knows how to throw curve balls, but women know how to hit a ball right over the stadium and learn and live to survive through anything and learn to love
More and more everyday.
Bethany i know what you are going through both me and my husband…….we have had 4 miscarriages now and now i am 14 weeks pregnant today and we are still scared that i might miscarry……..i know the feeling of having to carry a dead unformed baby in your womb……..it is the hardest thing a mother ever has to experience……..but there is always a reason in gods eyes on why you was not able to carry full term…….if you want you can e-mail me at sierradufrenne@gmail.com at any time if you ever need someone to talk to………i will always be there for you cause like i said i know 100% what you are going through
wow bethany i am very sorry for your loss but thank you for sharing this i did not know that baabies are that developed that early i also had a misscarrige i was 8weeks along and i was only 15 at the time it was truly hard for me and i can understand how you feel but again thank you because i did not know that about babies i have always been pro-life and now this just makes me want america to see that no matter how far along a woman is a baby is still a person wether the baby be inside or outside the womb
Thank-you so much for sharing this with everyone else, including myself.
It’s such a sad but beautiful thing to be able to experience something like this.
(I’m not suggesting it’s a good thing, just saying it’s something that’s a really powerful and beautiful thing.)
I’m so sorry for your loss. I am pro-life myself and I thank you for sharing this and hopefully people will take a look at this and finally realize that abortion is indeed murder.
I am so sorry for your loss Bethany. I miscarried my first pregnancy and was absolutely devastated. My heart aches for you and your family…. I think the photographs are very important for all to see even though it may hurt to see them.
Thank you for sharing! its very heart breaking to go through a loss, I have endured 3 myself!!! I am sorry you had to go through this. I am also against ABORTION/MURDER. Just because our unborn baby’s live in our womb doesnt mean they are not living.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures of your Blessing. I am 6 weeks pregnant with my first baby after trying for about 8 months. I was diagnosed with Lupus just before my husband and I were married (almost a year ago now) which means I am immediately considered a high-risk pregnancy. My mom also miscarried 3 babies before she had me carrying one boy, Timothy William, full term. Even though it happened 2 year before I was born I have mourned the loss of my “big brother” all of my life. This sense of the fragility of life is what ultimately led me to see my own need for salvation and Christ’s sacrifice on my behalf to free me from an eternal death without Him. No life is a waste to our loving God no matter how long it lasts – it is all for His glory and our joy. Even though I know this, I still find myself terrified for this little life growing inside me and wondering if I will have the strength to deal with the possible loss of my little one. Your pictures and the stories have given me such hope and strangely relief from some of my fears. Being able to see my child not as a 3D animation of a “tadpole” makes him/her feel so much more alive now. Every day I am allowed to continue to carry my own little sweetheart is that much more of a gift. I also appreciate knowing what to expect and what I can do (or tell my doctor not to do) if anything should happen. I am so amazed at how beautiful and even one-of-a-kind a tiny 6 week old baby is. I wish I
*I wish I could say that the 25 different baby sites I have visited since I found out I was pregnant described the same amount of development as your pictures show. Maybe it is ignorance or even a genuine desire to somehow lessen the grief of their readers who do miscarry early on. But they all claimed the baby was the size of a pea or even a sprinkle and said finger development would not happen until several weeks later. Even if out of good intentions, knowing the truth always seems the best to me. So thank you also for challenging even these “good” websites to tell the truth as well as sharing undeniable proof (at least to me) that life begins long before pro-choice advocates want us to believe. God bless you, Bethany and Jill and the countless other women who have bravely shared their stories with a needy world.
Thank you for these pictures Bethany! I just miscarried last week at 11 weeks. My biggest regret is that I didn’t pick up what I lost and try and see my baby. The hospital kept calling everything tissue and clots and i was so broken up and hysterical i didnt know what to do. I wish i would have tried to hold my baby. But seeing your little blessing has brought me such joy just thinking that mine probably looked something like that even though I didn’t get to see her. Thank you again and may God bless you for your courage!
I was 6 weeks pregnant yesterday and at 5P woke up from a nap and found out i had started to bleed. I visited my doctor this morning and my blood work confirmed the worst.
Can anyone tell me at what point during the miscarriage they were able to see their baby? I am currently on my 29th hour of miscarriage.
Hi my name is Angelic I also know how it felt to have a miscarriage I was 6 weeks it does hurt, I wish I did what you did it I was scad it fell in the toilet I was bleeding so I flushed it crying at that moment didn’t know what to do. but before I did that I was bleeding the night before went to the doctor’s office hearing them say the heart beat was faint and that I could be going threw a miscarriage. but to help it rest this happens quite a lot there is nothing you can do but rest. after hearing that how could Rest thinking all night will he be okay will I make it threw to have him in my arms. not even close I was bleeding worse the next day I just knew it was cumming to an end I wouldn’t see the baby I wanted so bad. I asked myself did I do something to deserve this was god mad at me for some reason was I ever going to heal. No I never did that was going to be my second baby. I mean I moved on but never forget that very day still think what could I have done. I come across or web site and this is such a good thing. I know have a total of 3 kids but will never forget my baby in heaven. I had to get a proctorial hysterectomy after my my 4 kid. I thought I was going to loos her as well I had placenta previa.
Hi my name is Angelic I also know how it felt to have a miscarriage I was 6 weeks it does hurt, I wish I did what you did it I was scad it fell in the toilet I was bleeding so I flushed it crying at that moment didn’t know what to do. but before I did that I was bleeding the night before went to the doctor’s office hearing them say the heart beat was faint and that I could be going threw a miscarriage. but to help it rest this happens quite a lot there is nothing you can do but rest. after hearing that how could Rest thinking all night will he be okay will I make it threw to have him in my arms. not even close I was bleeding worse the next day I just knew it was cumming to an end I wouldn’t see the baby I wanted so bad. I asked myself did I do something to deserve this was god mad at me for some reason was I ever going to heal. No I never did that was going to be my second baby. I mean I moved on but never forget that very day still think what could I have done. I come across or web site and this is such a good thing. I know have a total of 3 kids but will never forget my baby in heaven. I had to get a proctorial hysterectomy after my my 4 kid. I thought I was going to loos her as well I had placenta previa.
I am 16 years old and had my baby a month ago. your story made me cry and realize just how much i love and appreciate my little baby. My real dad had considered having an abortion and after reading this. It gave me strength to know i could go through this and succeed for my baby and i. Your little angel is in a better place and you will soon be reunited with him/her again
After many years of trying to get pregnant I finally did. I lost that baby at 6 weeks pregnant. 3 months later I was pregnant again and lost that one at 12 weeks. This is after 9 years of trying and adopting a newborn baby girl. She was 4 yrs old when I lost my 2 babies. When my daughter turned 9 I became pregnant again, out of the blue. No fertility drugs or anything. I went to the ER a few times with pain and few times from spotting. Of course scared out of my mind. At 11 weeks pregnant I went to the hospital with pain and the doctor said “your baby died” Without doing an ultra sound or anything. The next morning I went to my obgyn and they did an ultra sound and the little one was moving all over. the doctor had thought I was 14 weeks not 11 weeks. So that made him think the baby had died and stopped growing, but I was still not happy with how I was treated. At 25 weeks I went into labor. I went to the ER and they were able to stop the labor with meds. whew! Then at 34 weeks my water broke, but no labor! Again I headed to the ER and they started me on pitocin. 12 hours later my son was born. He was purple and not breathing. His apgar score was a 1 because his heart was beating. They worked very hard on him and he pulled through. He is now 14 yrs old and my daughter is 23. Yes 9 yrs apart. Actually 9 yrs and 9 days. One born is 89 and one in 98. I never got pregnant again, ever. It’s my own story yet I find it so amazing. Miscarriages are devastating, but the birth and life of a child overpowers that pain. I see my children everyday, but I now only think of the miscarriages now and then. That was 18 years ago. WOW I just added it up in my head, I had no idea it’s been that long. God bless all children, they are indeed a gift. If some knew how many people there are that are heart broken because they can’t have children, if only they had been in my shoes. Do not throw away a life because you can’t take care of it, or whatever reason. Adoption is the answer. Adoption is the only reason I have my daughter. Always choose adoption, don’t be so selfish. I think I’m done ranting.. sorry. :)
wow. This was incredible to read. I am 7 1/2 weeks along and went in this week to the ER due to bleeding. They told me that I am going to miscarry but I am believing/ praying otherwise. God is not to big for this.
Reading your story here and seeing your pictures of what I may see, was just incredible. I have looked up what to look for just incase baby passes. Thank you SO much for sharing your baby here. Incredible.
I am amazed by your courage at such a difficult time. I am honored that you would share something so personal with us. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this. I work with a group of inner city girls and I am preparing a sex ed class for them called “sex and consequences”. I work with a church who supports the rights of the unborn and will definitely be making your story a part of my lesson. I want these girls to know that there are consequences to their actions and that when you choose to have sex and get pregnant it is not about you anymore it is about your new family. I think that your desire to have these photos further the cause of the unborn is admirable and one that will affect the futures of many young women. Again thank you so much for sharing this and know that your “Blessing” will be just that to millions of women who have suffered a miscarriage and many young women who will choose to keep their child because they saw these amazing photos.
You are a very brave woman to have posted these photos, and I think it is wonderful. Most people don’t realize just how developed a baby is so early, probably because many doctors and websites swear it’s just tissue. My soon to be sister in law just had her 2nd miscarriage (this time at about 9 Weeks) in 3 months and had been drinking and doing drugs hoping to terminate the pregnancies that formed from pure irresponsibility. When my fiancé and myself tried talking to her, trying to convince he to clean up her act and at least give the baby up for adoption, her reaction was “I just want to pass this stupid clot of tissue already”. !!! A brief history on myself: I had a miscarriage a year ago in July, at 8 Weeks 2 days, I was in church when I started bleeding. I went to the er and the doctors said I was miscarrying, my baby had stopped developing at 7 Weeks. I passed him or her the next day, and part of me wishes I never would have looked at it, it still haunts me. At just (developmentally) 7 Weeks my baby had little black eyes, two dots where the noise was
You are a very brave woman to have posted these photos, and I think it is wonderful. Most people don’t realize just how developed a baby is so early, probably because many doctors and websites swear it’s just tissue. My soon to be sister in law just had her 2nd miscarriage (this time at about 9 Weeks) in 3 months and had been drinking and doing drugs hoping to terminate the pregnancies that formed from pure irresponsibility. When my fiancé and myself tried talking to her, trying to convince he to clean up her act and at least give the baby up for adoption, her reaction was “I just want to pass this stupid clot of tissue already”. !!! A brief history on myself: I had a miscarriage a year ago in July, at 8 Weeks 2 days, I was in church when I started bleeding. I went to the er and the doctors said I was miscarrying, my baby had stopped developing at 7 Weeks. I passed him or her the next day, and part of me wishes I never would have looked at it, it still haunts me. At just (developmentally) 7 Weeks my baby had little black eyes, two dots where the nose was, and lips that poked out. Not much for legs, but two little flipper arms. I cried almost non stop for months, it’s still hard to think about… I am almost10 Weeks pregnant today, and doc says so far so good. Had a strong 129 beat per minute heartbeat! I’m happy, but anxious to be into second trimester. I know how quickly precious life can be ripped away, and don’t understand how some women can have such a bold disregard for human life… Probably because they are so I’ll informed about what’s actually going on in there which is exactly why these photos are such a blessing. My sincerest regards to those of you who have experienced such a loss. Prayers to all of you, I hope you find strength in the Lords love. He’s got his hand on you. And your babies are in the best company.
I know how you feel cuz i just had a miscarriage at 9 weeks 1 day it really heartbreakin to go through it i can still hear what the ultrasound nurse told me its very hard for me still that i miscarryed. I miscarryed on June 27 2012 the ultrasound tech couldnt find a heart beat for the baby i broke down hard in the ultasound room but got the first nd last picture of the baby. I passed the baby on July 5 2012 ( im homeless so it suck where i lost the baby in a homless shelter in the bathroom) i cry soooo hard cuz i saw the baby this was my first miscarriage ever i didnt know what to do but i took the baby out of the toilet i held it for 5 mins it was to tiny it fit my palm and kiss it good bye and said sorry to my baby. today i still brings tears to my eyes.
HI MY NAME IS EVA, I JUST WANT TO SAY I AM SO SO SORRY FOR WHAT YOU ARE BEING THROUGH, I AM NOW 5 WEEKS PREGNANT, AND THANKS TO YOUR PICTURES AND YOUR LOVING BABY I CAN SEE HOW MY BABY LOOKS LIKE AT THIS AGE, I AM REALLY SORRY BUT THERE WAS DEFENITELY A REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN, THANKS A LOT FOR SHARING YOUR PAIN, I SURE HOPE YOU ARE RECOVERED BY NOW, AND THAT NOT MEANING FORGETTING ABOUT BLESSING, GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Thankyou so much for sharing the pictures of This beautiful baby.
I wish I had seen these before I made the biggest mistake in my life and taken the life of my baby. These Photos certainly prove to me there IS a Perfectly formed baby at 6 weeks and if I had seen them sooner I would never have made the mistake I made, that I will regret for the rest of my life.
I very much appreciate your sharing in the prescious life you have shared. this is a real eye opener.
God Bless You and Your loved ones forever
I had a miscaridge due to tubal pregnancy when i was 14, it was supposed to have been twins. I am now 25 and about 6 weeks along with my 3rd child. I miss my twins that i misscarried and have always wished to get them back, i dont know how far along i was. I do know that my son who is 4 1/2 now, keeps saying that what im pregnant with now is a brother and a sister, he was right about his first sister now 12 months old, so i have no reason to doubt him, we should have our first ultrasound this week, i cant wait to see my babies and make sure, first that they are healthy and second that my son was right it would be such a blessing to get my twins back. I keep thinking mabey they just werent ready to be born yet, but mabey they are ready now?? i sure cant wait to meet them. thank you for posting pics of Blessing… i see it has saved at least one baby already!, that is great that one person did not have an abortion just because they saw your post,
All of you are such an inspiration. I am now 7 weeks pregnant after trying to conceive for two years. Of course the fear of miscarriage is there but seeing these pictures just shows me just how amazing God really is. I am truly sorry for all of your losses.
Thank you for sharing these pictures. I too am pro-life and don’t understand how anyone could not be. My husband and I are 14 weeks pregnant and from the very first moment I saw the baby in our dating ultrasound, I knew I wanted to protect it at all costs. Thank you for your bravery and compassion; I know these pictures are very personal. Thank you so much
i just found out today the baby no longer has a heartbeat and i am trying to decide dnc or misscarriage i want to be able to see my baby but if its not visable i dont want to have to go through the pain
Hi I had a miscarriage on 7/30/12 at 8 weeks, my baby stopped growin at 6 weeks nd 5 days. Had a ultrasound on 7/27/12,nd saw the heartbeat was 140 nd I was crying of joy cus I thought I was gonna miscarry,I had been bleeding. For a few days w cloths .they send me home on bed rest ,they said my cervix was closed.I kept. Bleeding heavily w cloths.7/29/12 when back cus had lost of. Pain nd bigger cloths. They said I was dilated, but that there was hope w bedrest that I could keep the baby ;) .the next day 7/30/12. At 9:20 felt the need to push so went running to bathroom then sat nd it just came out I thought. It was a cloth of blood. But when I looked it was the baby :'( . I felt like I wanted to die. I already have 4 kids 7,5,1nd half ,6 mo .the 7. Yr old girl was so sad she couldnt stop crying, broke my heart .I said to her baby is in heaven w GOD nd she said why mommy nd I said GOD needs angels.she calmed down.then i went. to er got a d&c done .went home. Felt so. Empty nd extremely. Sad nd depressed. Nd still am I want get. Better but is so hard. I will never forget. My angel ILY baby u heart Always be in my heart. :'((
I am a 20 year old female. I was always pro choice until I personally became pregnant. I was in a long term relationship and we had recently become engaged before we found out (we actually think we conceived the same night we got engaged) A few weeks later i had to move home because of me becoming progressively sicker (Us not knowing i was pregnant). I had later gone to the doctor and was diagnosed with endometriosis. While doing the ultra sound we found that i was pregnant with twins but with my condition the babies got stuck in my tube. (I had been on birth control but i had still been releasing eggs and released 2 that month and both had become fertilized about a week after i moved home because of me being sick my fiance had stopped talking to me all together and left. I found out a week later i was pregnant. I am a very capable 20 year old female and im a emt and am completely capable of taking care of myself and a my children. I ended up misscarring on wend and lost both of my babies (i would have lost them regardless) There is nothing like the miracle of life. I want to thank this strong woman for sending theses pictures. Its helped me heal because i loved my twins so much (even tho i didn’t know the sex i named them sophia and brayden) I get to see what my beautiful children look like. Because with my condition i may never have kids. I think schools need to education on pro-life vs pro-choice. Because may women don’t realise how much help they can recieve. Once again thankyou for these pictures. I am so sorry for your loss. I also would like to ask if anyone has any coping mechanizms for losing children by misscarriage because its been such a hard time for me going tho it all alone and only the fathers of the twins and my best guy friend know
I am a pro-life atheist, and I greatly appreciate the pictures posted here. So many pro-choice people claim that the unborn fetus is just “a clump of cells,” akin to a tumor, especially at merely 6 weeks. These photos show otherwise. I believe there is sound scientific evidence to support the pro-life stance, and this adds to that evidence. Thank you!
They told me they couldn’t find a heart beat on my baby and now I’m waitin to miscarry and i didn’t know what to expect thank you for postin these pics
Hi Bethany . I am 15 years old turning 16 soon . And I jus had an abortion last week Saturday , I was at least 6 weeks and 2 days pregnant . I really wanted to keep my baby because I had such a connection with it even b4 I new for sure that yes I was really pregnant . i didn’t get morning sickness or anything . I was jus going to bed early and waking up everyday at around 4 in the morning due to my baby’s movement . Even though my boyfriend and I both wanted our baby our mothers thought otherwise . His mother made my mom change her mind and so my mom took me to get the procedure 3days later. My mom has gotten an abortion b4 when she was 19. And my boyfriend’s mother has gotten plenty. Thats why my mom’s telling me i will forget 1 day. But That night b4 my baby was taken away from me I sang to it all night like I used to and told it how much I loved them and how sorry I was . Bethany , I’m the most sensative and emotional person ever I believe. Ever since last week I have been crying all day everyday at the thought of my inocent baby being gone . I think about my baby and how happy I would be if I could jus feel it’s movement inside me when I sing or rub my belly . And every night i still wake up at 4 in the morning and cry because i have gotten so used to waking up to a kick .Honestly I wish I would have seen your pictures before my procedure so I could show my mother what her grandchild looks like at 6 weeks . I bet she would have changed her mind and let me keep my baby . I’m very mature for my age and has been taking care of babies all my life . I jus dont have money to give my own baby everything it may want . Jus my care , love and affection . I’m not sure if its my mind playing tricks on me but I still feel as if my baby is still inside me sometimes . I guess I will find out and let you know when I go back to the doctor on the 29th . I wish I had my ultrasound picture of my beautiful little black dot . Decisions last a lifetime don’t ever get an abortion you guys . No matter how old u r a baby is still a blessing . and I get teary-eyed everytime i see someone with a baby or pregnant with 1 . The three stretch marks I have will be all i have left . And when I become of age I may get a tattoo around it . Bottom line is I feel bad for all who miscarried their baby and the loss of my own Miracle . RIP baby , I’m sorry and I do love you . I hope to see you one day. I know I would do anything to have my baby with me right now or at least feel it kick one last time . :(
We are visual learners and the truth is powerful. God bless you Bethany. How wonderful to know that you will be reunited with your baby some day in Heaven.
Smiley, dear child..please go to your nearest crisis pregnancy center for post abortion counseling and healing. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your mom both need counseling and Christian healing. I will pray for you.
To all of you that have suffered the loosing of an amazing miracle, my sympathy goes out to you. I am 27 and am currently miscarrying. On 10/16 i was told i was 5 wks and 3 days. That was tues and on thurs day the process began. Im an absolute wreck and completelg beside myself and although i hace a healthy beautiful 5yr old son, i feel as though i have lost everything. A sac was never planted in my uterus nor did i even hear a faint heartbeat….i will also not get the chance for a d & c. Im having to do this on my own. So i say to you that have pics or ultrasounds or even the rememberence of hearing that tiny little beat….cherish it. I truly hope the pain will somehow lighten so that i can be of some good to those who need me…..
Im truly sorry for your lost bethany I have a 2 year old boy and am 9weeks pregnant but I fell your pain cause back in Sep of last year I lost a set of twins do to a miscarriage my condones to u
My husband and I just suffered the tragedy of a miscarriage. We were 8.5 weeks along and I had bleeding and went to the ER. they did an emergency ultrasound and were unable to find a heartbeat. The baby also only measured at 6 weeks. I never knew that the physical pain of a miscarriage would be so excruciating. This was our first pregnancy and I can only describe the pain as labor. Every few minutes a wave of contractions and cramps. The emotional toll that a loss has is devistating. Our little bambeano was born last night and we buried him next to the river that flows near our home. We thought that just as a river flows, so does time, and only with time and prayer can we heal. I’m sure everyday will get a little easier, but right now it is still to fresh and painful. God Bless us all.
Sorry for seeming insensitive but I wandered upon this picture randomly as I was doing research for my class, and from the picture it appears that brain was not developed. Did the fetus suffer from a lack of folic acid in the mother’s diet? Just wondering.
Wow I’m so touched with this picture, 3 years ago I had a miscarriage at 3 months… I went through all the pains, contractions, and the urge to push… It was horrible cause I did not want to push. Bethany seeing this picture of your baby makes me wonder how mine looked at 3 months… I was in the emergency room and after the doctor said that I wasn’t dilated my baby came out in the toilet and it was one of those that flushes automatically so I didn’t move for 20 minutes cause I didn’t want my baby to go that way… A nurse came and moved me, that’s when my world ended… Every year on september 5th I write a letter to my baby Damien :(
So sorry for your loss Bethany! My husband and I have gone through two miscarriages. One at 6 weeks 4 days and the other one was at 6 weeks 5 days. My husband’s Birthday will always be a reminder, since our last one happened on that day. I always wondered what our little babies looked like. Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. Its always nice to read other’s stories because it reminds me I’m not alone. It seems like a lot of people simply don’t like talking about it. The good Lord has blessed us with two beautiful baby girls, but I still think about the two we lost.
5 months ago i had a really bad back ache and i felt the rush to use the restroom as soon as i went in the shower i saw something fall i didnt know what it was. I didnt think it was a miscarriage becuz i have an iud…but seeing the picture above made me realize i had miscarried…it looked exactly like it but my baby had the head and the body apart which i am wondering y…was it from the iud…im wondering because i think i might have had more than one miscarriage…#confussed
My hubby and i stared at it becuz we felt uneasy…as if it was more than some random tissue. Specially when we saw that something which looked like an eye as seen in ur picture….im sorry it just i feel alittle emotional to confirm what i have thought for quit some time now
I to had a miscarrage at 6 weeks unlike u i didnt get to see the baby this photo lets mi know how big my baby was ty
The pictures and the reasons this lady posted her personal pictures is beautiful. A baby is a baby the moment it is conceived. It is not JUST a human it is a BABY, the sweetest most innocent being on Earth. No baby is a mistake or an accident. I am 16 years o l d and enough of a woman to cherish and raise my baby even though its going to require me to maintain my honor roll status and be a full time mom all at once. But im proud to do those things because I love someone- I love the 21 week old baby girl growing inside of me. <3
Omg, i feel so sorry for you. I my self was told i was pregnant with my forth child, im now 5 or so weeks. I was some what excited due to my ex leaving me for my sister with my children. I thought a fresh start for sure, but being single. Today is the 9th day of bad bleeding and massive cramping, Friday i was put into hospital, had all the test done and was told i had 25% chance of carring any further with my child, To be told what to look out for and to see your photos are destroying. Every time i pee i wait and expect to see my baby. Im scared.
This is heartbreaking! I am currently 8 weeks pregnant myself and to know how beautiful my baby already looks is a blessing. i am so sorry for your loss sweetheart, I wouldnt wish that upon my worst enemy.
This is a beautiful picture. I am going through this right now. I went in over a week ago for my first visit I was suppose to be about ten weeks and when they did my ultrasound my baby on developed for 6 weeks and had no heartbeat. It was and is devastating. Some don’t understand that I am not just sad because I wanted a baby, but I feel a great loss to my family. This was my 3rd child and I was so excited when I found out we are expecting. I am now waiting and expecting a miscarage. I lost my mucus plug yesterday and am a little crampy and spotting today. It seems so unfair for life to be created and then taken away :(
I’m very, very, VERY sorry for your loss.
i also experienced miscarriage and it was really devastating. my bf and i were so excited but after two months of my pregnancy the baby just went off. i thought i was gonna love my mind. i was crying a lot.