Tiny Ava Marios is not yet born. Her small body is still inside her mother’s womb. But, Kristella already knows her little girl will be a miracle.
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Hours after Ava is born via a caesarean she will be rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital to have life-saving surgery.
Ava will be born with gastroschisis an extremely rare birth defect of the abdominal wall.
Ultrasounds show her intestine and bowel have formed outside of her body through a small hole next to the belly button.
Ms Marios is 28 weeks pregnant – her unborn baby is only around 623 grams – less than half the size it should be.
The young mum is desperately hoping she will be able to raise Ava into a beautiful young girl.
She has spent hours decorating toy boxes for her daughter and has set up a crib. But before she can bring Ava home Ms Marios will have a caesarean at 36 weeks.
If she waits any longer her baby’s organs will be too dilated and won’t fit inside its tiny body.
Doctors will attempt to insert Ava’s bowel and intestine back into her tiny body.
They must be extremely careful. Baby’s with gastroschisis are prone to infection which can permanently damage their bowel and intestine.
“They have to make sure everything is clean and that the organs are not infected,” a concerned Ms Marios said.
“They then try and put as much of the organs back into her body as they can. The success depends on the baby – she may have to have multiple operations.”
Ms Marios, partner William Grose and their son Izaak are scared but determined to give Ava the best opportunities in life.
They found out about Ava’s condition when Ms Marios was 12 weeks pregnant. An abortion was still possible and a suggested option. For Ms Marios the idea was abhorrent.
“I can feel her inside me. She’s our baby. I can’t give up on her,” Ms Marios said.
“You hold your hope that she will get better.”
If all goes well, 2016 will be at the least a tough year for the young family. Ava will be in hospital for a minimum of four weeks and have to return regularly.
Izaak may have to stay with relatives while his parents live in Melbourne.
Ms Marios is desperate to raise awareness about the little known disease and hopes her daughter will one day be a beacon of hope for families in the same situation.
The family is also asking for support during this tough time. Ms Marios hopes to be able to take as much time off work as possible to be able to be there for her children during this difficult time.
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
