A Little Miracle: Jyothi’s Journey and Jaanvi’s Bright Beginning

Jyothi Thangaraj, a software engineer from Jurupa Valley, welcomed her daughter Jaanvi on October 1, 2023, after years of trying to conceive. At age 44, she became a mother through in vitro fertilization (IVF), but her journey was filled with medical challenges that tested her resolve.

At 20 weeks, during a routine scan, Jyothi’s PIH Health OB/GYN Mark Dwight MD, discovered her cervix was dangerously close to opening, a condition that could lead to preterm birth. Dr. Dwight advised strict bed rest over a cervical cerclage—a procedure to stitch the cervix closed—because the surgery carried a risk of infection. For the next month, Jyothi adhered to strict bed rest while Dr. Dwight monitored her progress every two days.

“Given Jyothi’s situation, we had to carefully balance the risks,” Dr. Dwight explained. “Bed rest was the safest option, and she handled it with remarkable patience and strength.”

At 23 weeks, Jyothi’s cervix dilated to 1.25 centimeters, prompting immediate admission to PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital. Although neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) doctors warned her about possible complications, Jyothi remained hopeful. Jaanvi was born prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1.66 pounds, and spent the first months of her life in the NICU, receiving around-the-clock care.

"The NICU doctors prepared me for the worst, but I couldn’t fully grasp what was happening," Jyothi recalled. "It was terrifying, but I knew Jaanvi was in the best hands."

Jaanvi faced several challenges, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition affecting the development of the retina in premature infants. After a successful laser procedure at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, her condition stabilized. She was transferred back to PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital and discharged on February 3, 2024, weighing a healthy 8.8 pounds.

Jyothi also struggled with breastfeeding but found hope through PIH Health lactation educator Nikita Dawson. “Nikita was my miracle worker. Thanks to her, I was able to provide enough milk for my daughter,” Jyothi said.

Today, Jaanvi is thriving after physical therapy, and Jyothi is forever grateful to the NICU team and Nikita for their care.