Chapter 1069
Amelia’s gaze lingered on her still-flat belly, deep in thought. “When the child turns one year old, that’s when I should get a divorce,” she whispered to herself.
Amelia’s plans had been clear. When she had obtained the birth permit, she and Warren would part ways, and their lives would no longer be intertwined.
Yet, fate had different designs. On the day of her prenatal test, Warren stood outside the concession stand of the community hospital.
“Why are you here?” She stared at him. Her eyes were wide with surprise.
“Aren’t you going for a prenatal test?” Warren said. “I’ll accompany you for all your future checkups!”
A shiver ran down her spine. If he continued to insist on joining her for every checkup, he would become a frequent presence, perhaps even more so than she desired.
“That’s not necessary. I could go for checkups on my own,” she hurriedly replied.
“It’s not just for your sake, but also for the sake of our child,” Warren pressed on. “During your pregnancy with Aiden, I wasn’t there for you, and you endured so much hardship. I don’t want history to repeat itself. Let me at least take on my responsibilities as a father.”
Amelia fell silent.
Warren continued to explain, “Besides, unforeseen situations can arise during pregnancy. It’s safer to have someone with you for checkups. Do you plan to navigate hospital staircases with a big belly when the time comes?”
Just then, Amelia’s mother Matilda, who had been inside the concession stand, chimed in, “Amelia, perhaps you should let him accompany you to the checkups. It will ease my mind, and having someone by your side in case of emergencies seems like a prudent decision.”
Amelia bit her lips slightly before she reluctantly conceded.
Warren drove Amelia to the community hospital.
Ordinarily, prenatal tests occurred at the community hospital before the
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24-week mark of pregnancy.
However, after Amelia’s consulting doctor at the community hospital delved into her medical history in detail, their expression turned solemn.
“Given your liver transplant five years ago, and the relatively recent recovery period, the routine checkups at this community hospital might not be the best course for you. I suggest forwarding your medical records to a maternity hospital providing tertiary-level care, where the specialist doctors can conduct a more comprehensive evaluation,” the doctor suggested.
When she heard that, Amelia’s face drained of color.
Even with the passage of five years since her liver transplant and her current stable condition, she did not anticipate it to pose a risk to her childbirth.
“I understand. Thank you,” Amelia said.
“It’s wiser to visit Women’s Health Hospital. They have a team of experienced specialists,” offered the community doctor.
Strico Women’s Health Hospital was renowned for its obstetrics and gynecology department.
Amelia nodded and exited the examination room.
Warren awaited her outside, and curiosity got the best of him. “Why did you finish so quickly? Checkups usually take longer, don’t they?”
“I need to consult a specialist at Women’s Health Hospital,” Amelia said.
Warren’s brows furrowed in response. “Women’s Health Hospital?” The necessity to seek treatment at a higher-tier facility hinted at complications the ordinary community hospital couldn’t contend with. “Is there an issue with your body?”
“Because I had a liver transplant in the past, the prenatal examination here is not quite suitable for me,” Amelia explained while she took out her phone. When she logged into the registration system of the hospital
in the city, she discovered that all slots with the specialists in obstetrics of Women’s Health Hospital were fully booked. Not a single opening was available, even for the upcoming week.
She could not secure an appointment even for that week. It seemed she would have to wait for the next round of slot releases in the following
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week to secure herself an appointment.
She wore a troubled expression and contemplated her options. Her best course of action, it seemed, was to contact Rosalie and see if she could help secure an appointment with a specialist in Women’s Health Hospital.
Just as she was about to dial Rosalie’s number, Warren’s voice sounded in her ear.
“It’s me, Warren. I’d like to schedule an appointment with a specialist in obstetrics at Women’s Health Hospital, preferably for today, in the morning.”
Amelia lifted her gaze and spotted Warren speaking to someone on the phone.
After that brief exchange on the phone, Warren ended the call and turned to Amelia, “Let’s head to Women’s Health Hospital. Once we’re there, you can see the specialist directly.”
Amelia was taken aback. “You managed to secure an appointment?”
“Yeah, I had someone make the arrangements,” he replied.
Upon their arrival at Women’s Health Hospital, they encountered a young man who warmly welcomed Warren, saying, “Mr. York, please follow me.”
The young man led the way and guided Warren and Amelia. As they reached the door of the consulting room, Amelia realized this was not just an ordinary specialist clinic; it was the VIP pathway for specialist consultations.
After a short wait at the resting area, a nurse approached Amelia and led her into the consulting room. Warren followed her inside.
Shannon Howard, the attending specialist, was a seasoned woman in her forties. Her nameplate adorned the desk and carried a reputable weight, having garnered fame throughout Strico for her expertise in obstetrics. Even Amelia had heard of her after pregnancy.
Shannon then carefully reviewed Amelia’s extensive medical records. Her demeanor turned serious as she pored over the documents.
Next, she examined the logs of prenatal tests and asked, “Are you presently on any medications?”
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“I used to take painkillers post my liver transplant due to comfort. It was sporadic over five years. However, I discontinued them before I got pregnant and haven’t taken any since I discovered the pregnancy,” Amelia revealed.
“You had a liver transplant five years ago, and you haven’t had a relapse. It should be safe now. Although no issues have surfaced thus far, as your pregnancy progresses, the strain on your liver may intensify.
Furthermore, a transplanted liver is more delicate than a native one. It might falter under the added stress,” Shannon cautioned.
After all, given the present medical outlook, this pregnancy came with significant risks.
Warren’s worry deepened as he asked, “What if it can’t handle the strain?”
Shannon clarified, “The potential consequences could include abnormalities in your liver. In such an event, not only the baby’s safety would be jeopardized, but your own as well.” Her eyes shifted to Amelia’s age, which revealed she was 35 years old. “If you have children already, I strongly advise considering the possibility of terminating the pregnancy.”
Amelia’s heart plummeted as the weight of the suggestion bore down heavily.
“Terminating… the pregnancy?” she exclaimed inwardly in horror.
B
