Trú's triumph over pulmonary hypertension in the NICU

Brittnay Green’s pregnancy was a blessing during a time of grief as it coincided around the same time as her grandmother’s passing. Though her heart was heavy, the news of a new baby brought her hope and joy. 

"I mourned the loss of my dear grandma, but discovering I was two months pregnant was a bittersweet moment in my life,” said Brittnay. “It felt like a glimmer of hope, welcoming a new life into the world." 

Already a mother to a 5-year-old son, Brittnay was overjoyed to learn that she and Tre were expecting a daughter. Her pregnancy progressed smoothly until around the midpoint when Brittnay received the diagnosis of gestational diabetes—a condition that develops during pregnancy and affects blood sugar levels.  

Regular check-ups and ultrasounds provided reassurance as Trú continued to grow and develop normally. However, as her pregnancy progressed, Brittnay’s OB-GYN noticed a shift in Trú's activity patterns. “My baby’s movement wasn’t always captured on the ultrasound monitor. I often told them that my baby girl was more active at night, which might explain the subdued activity during the daytime ultrasounds.” 

As the days drew nearer to Trú's anticipated arrival, Brittnay found herself grappling with the physical toll of pregnancy. Scheduled for induction on March 5, 2024, she experienced increasing discomfort and pressure, signaling the momentous day was imminent. On March 1, in the early hours of the morning, Brittnay made her way to Touro Hospital, where she would soon welcome her daughter into the world. 

“I kind of knew it was getting close,” said Brittnay. “At 39 weeks, I started feeling contractions. By the time I reached Touro Hospital, my contractions were 3 minutes apart. They measured my cervix and I was 5 centimeters. I went from 5 to 10 centimeters once my water broke. Everything happened so fast.” 

On March 1, 2024, Brittnay and Tre welcomed their daughter, Trú. As Trú cried upon her arrival, the nurse placed her on her mother’s chest. However, the nurse quickly noticed something amiss, and Trú was promptly transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit for further monitoring and observation.  

“They said my baby was having trouble breathing,” said Brittnay. “I was nervous. I was trying not to overreact and I tried to be positive. I was told my baby would be transferred to a higher level of care.” 

On the same day she was born, Trú was transported to the NICU at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. 

Shortly after birth, the NICU team at Children’s Hospital diagnosed Trú with pulmonary hypertension. This condition, often referred to as high blood pressure in the lungs, can pose serious risks to newborns. Treatment for pulmonary hypertension in newborns often involves a combination of medications to help relax the blood vessels in the lungs, improve blood flow, and increase oxygen levels. Close monitoring and specialized care in the NICU are crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome for newborns like Trú. 

“My baby was in the NICU for almost two weeks,” explained Brittnay. “The nurses were monitoring her heart and also she was on oxygen for a while, and was prescribed medication to treat her pulmonary hypertension. My family was with Trú in the NICU initially, while I was in Touro Hospital recovering. My doctors wanted to monitor me because I had a prior history of hemorrhaging with my first pregnancy.” 

The comprehensive care that Trú received in the NICU has led her to where she is today, a thriving 6-month-old girl.  She is no longer dependent on a nasal cannula for breathing support and continues to grow steadily. Regular visits to her pediatrician ensure she’s on track with her weight gain. 

“Trú is an absolute joy, her personality already shining through,” said Brittnay. “She’s so expressive. She cries when she’s hungry, enjoys her meals, and has put on some weight since leaving the NICU. And that smile of hers? Infectious. The care from the doctors and nurses in the NICU was exceptional. We’ve had wonderful experiences with the staff at Children’s—they cared for my son in the NICU, too. Their support has been great, ensuring the well-being of both my babies. I’m happy to have these two blessings in my life.” 

For more information on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital, visit this website: 

Neonatal Intensive Care | Children's Hospital New Orleans (chnola.org)