“Doctor, we’ve waited 9 years for this baby. Please do whatever it takes to save our baby.”
Disclaimer: The names and certain personal details in this case study have been changed to protect patient privacy.
Keerthi and Ravi got married when they were 25 and 26. They had waited 8 years to conceive, and when two pink lines finally showed up, they were elated.
But their happiness didn’t last. The pregnancy ended in a spontaneous miscarriage (a natural pregnancy loss that occurs without medical intervention, usually before 20 weeks).Still, the couple didn’t give up.
They conceived again within a year, and this time, their joy was indescribable.
But that joy soon turned into anxiety during a routine scan at 12 weeks, when something subtle caught the doctor’s eye.
This pregnancy meant everything to Keerthi and Ravi. But since the baby was still too small to evaluate the spine closely, the doctors couldn’t confirm anything yet. When the doctor switched on the 3D suite, all she could spot was a tiny nodule. It could either be a cyst, or sometimes even the umbilical cord can appear this way.
Her first scan didn’t show much on the abdominal view, so Dr. Deepthi Jammi proceeded with an internal scan, and that’s when the spine appeared slightly widened.
Since the baby was too small, Dr. Deepthi couldn’t say anything for sure. Not yet. So she arranged a counselling session with the couple and explained the findings to them.
While most parents might have panicked or even considered termination, this couple was different. They were motivated and determined to continue the pregnancy, no matter what.
They were asked to return at 16 weeks so that a better view of the baby’s structures could be obtained.
➡ ️ Note: Spine widening is one of the early subtle signs of spinal defects like neural tube defects.
The Findings in the 16th Week Scan
When Keerthi returned at 16 weeks, the baby had grown enough to give a clearer view. And this time, the nodule suspected earlier was still present, only now, it was more defined.
It was located at the lower end of the spine, near the tailbone, exactly at the point where important nerves control the legs, bladder, and bowel movements.
This confirmed the concern: it was likely a closed spinal defect, a condition that’s difficult to diagnose in early scans.
The rest of the scan was reassuring. The baby’s heart was beating normally, brain development looked good, and most importantly, the baby was actively moving its arms and legs, a hopeful sign that the nerves controlling movement were still functioning well.
The team sat with Keerthi and Ravi again and explained everything gently. They were calm, well-informed, and determined to give the baby every possible chance.
The Medical Mystery: Closed Neural Tube Defect
Spinal defects in unborn babies are broadly classified into two types:
Open Neural Tube Defects (NTDs)
Easier to detect, as they cause changes in the brain due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. These are usually visible on ultrasound.
Closed Neural Tube Defects
Harder to diagnose, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. They may not show any signs in the brain like open NTDs. The only clue might be a small cyst or nodule near the lower spine, which can mimic the appearance of the umbilical cord.
At Jammi Scans, the team studied 5 years’ worth of fetal data. While open defects were consistently diagnosed, closed defects were often missed until much later, as they are subtle and hidden.
In Keerthi’s case, a possible closed spinal defect was seen, but it was too early to confirm during the first visit. By the second visit at 16 weeks, the cyst was clearly visible, and the baby was doing well otherwise.
An expert panel discussion was then held with the couple and other specialists including a neurologist, paediatrician, and OBGYN.
A Team Approach and a Difficult Decision
A full team was brought in to support the couple — a paediatric neurologist, neonatologist, and obstetrician. Over 3–4 full team consultations, every possible outcome was discussed, both hopeful and concerning.
It was explained that a normal vaginal delivery might rupture the cyst sac, especially if any nerves were involved. So, a planned C-section was recommended for safety.
Despite the uncertainty, Keerthi and Ravi were calm and determined.
They said: “We’ve waited too long for this baby. We want to give the baby a chance. We truly trust the team of doctors.”
The Outcome: A Strong Baby, a Clear Scan, a Clean Surgery
The baby was delivered safely by C-section.
To the naked eye, the cyst looked larger than expected. But the postnatal MRI of the brain and spine gave positive news:
The lesion was purely cystic. No nerves were involved, and the baby was 100% ready for the surgery.
At 92 days old, the baby underwent surgery to remove the cyst. The surgery was a success. It was not just a case, but felt like a personal victory for the team of doctors who were involved. It was a collaborative effort that saved a baby’s life and the parents’ hope.
The Sweetest News
Today, that baby runs, jumps, and even attends taekwondo classes.
Keerthi still sends us videos of her child walking into school with a backpack, full of life and energy.
What could have been a heartbreaking termination turned into a story of patience, teamwork, and trust.
Final Takeaway
Trust in Specialist Insight
When something appears unusual, an expert fetal medicine specialist can make all the difference. Their expertise can help interpret complex scans and conditions more precisely, guiding the next steps.
Subtle Clues Can Matter Early On
Even a small cyst or minor unusual appearance of any structures must never be missed. Here is where choosing the right scan centre comes into the picture.
Opt for a scan centre with experienced fetal medicine specialists, as their expertise in identifying a widened spine seen on early scans can indicate underlying issues. Never dismiss your doctor’s recommendation for a follow-up scan or further interventions.
Get a Multi-Expert Opinion
While a fetal medicine specialist can bring in their expertise in accurately interpreting the scan results and guiding you through the next steps, complex decisions require a team of experts. Hence, ensure to have a consultation with various healthcare experts such as your fetal medicine specialist, OBGYN, paediatrician, and neurologist.
Delivery Planning Is Crucial
For babies with special needs or concerns, planning the mode and timing of delivery can prevent complications. Some conditions might require a C-section to avoid complications and ensure the health of the mother and the baby.
This isn’t just a story about Keerthi and Ravi, but about the importance of early detection of abnormalities, so that parents can be prepared and informed about their baby’s health.
If you are a pregnant mother, ensure to not miss out on any prenatal scans and appointments to ensure your baby’s health. Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733 to book your appointment with Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Chennai’s best pregnancy scan expert.
