Julie had "utmost faith, confidence, and trust” in care team

Julie Wigger was 25 weeks pregnant when she started having unexplained vascular issues, so her obstetrician in Davenport referred her to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics for a Level 2 ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed Julie had placenta previa, which occurs when the placenta grows in the lowest part of the uterus and covers the cervix. Doctors also discovered Julie had placenta percreta, a condition where the placenta penetrates the uterine wall and attaches to another organ.

“I was immediately admitted to the hospital as this was a very high-risk situation,” Julie said. “At this point, I was 26 weeks, four days gestation.”

Due to the severity of the diagnosis and complications associated with placenta percreta, Julie needed a preterm delivery involving a cesarean hysterectomy and bladder reconstruction surgery.

“This was just the beginning of our journey at UI Hospitals & Clinics,” Julie said.  

Providers from different specialties worked together to care for Julie and her baby before, during, and after the delivery.

“Oh my goodness, where to begin! I saw specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, vascular surgery, and anesthesiology. My daughter saw specialists in neonatology, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric cardiology, radiology, and pulmonology while I met with dietitians, lactation consultants, and social workers.

“My experience at UI Health Care was shocking at first, because of my diagnosis, but I never once felt scared or unsure of the outcome. I had the utmost faith, confidence and trust in these providers. They are the best of the best in my book, every single one of them. They saved my life and my baby's life, and I am forever indebted.”