Sisterhood of Angel Mama’s Magazine | Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Edition October 2021
A Moment in my Belly, Forever in my Heart
Written & Photo by Kailey Sterkel
I’m Kailey Sterkel. In May 2021 I found out I was pregnant with my son. I was so excited but nervous at the same time because I have Incontinentia pigmenti (IP). Incontinentia pigmenti is a genetic disorder that affects the skin and other body systems. This disorder occurs much more often in females than in males. There’s a 50% chance of survival in males and a 50% chance that a child may not inherit IP.
On June 2, 2021 I had my first ultrasound at 7 weeks and my baby was the size of a grape. I was referred to a geneticist because I was having a boy. I was told by doctors to terminate my pregnancy because my son had no chance of survival but I refused to listen to them. The father of my son was mentally, emotionally and physically abusive so I left him because of my unborn son’s safety. After a couple of weeks, my ultrasounds showed my son was doing good and getting bigger. On August 25, 2021, I went in for a normal check up and there was no heartbeat. I was broken! On August 26, I gave birth to my son still.
To my son, I will forever love you and carry you in my heart.