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A Double Achievement
Paul and Dawn Fischer of Toms River had dreams of starting a
family. But like many aspiring parents, they found that filling a
nursery wasn't as easy as they had expected.
The couple encountered several challenges
along the way, including one
heartbreaking pregnancy that could
not be carried to term. The setbacks left
the Fischers wondering whether they ever
could start a family. Facing an overwhelming
number of questions, they turned to
their OB/GYN, David Moskowitz, M.D.,
for guidance and answers.
"I was excited for the Fischers when
I learned they were trying again," says
Dr. Moskowitz. He worked closely with
Joseph Canterino, M.D., a board certified
maternal-fetal subspecialist, and with
other colleagues in high-risk obstetrics
at the Perinatal Institute at Jersey Shore
University Medical Center to find answers
for the couple. "Through genetic testing
and advanced diagnostics conducted at
the institute, we identified Paul as a carrier
of cystic fibrosis. The couple was also very
aware of the possible challenges due to
the prior unsuccessful pregnancy."
"Dr. Canterino, Dr. Moskowitz, and a
number of doctors literally took our hands
and walked us through our options,"
recalls Dawn. "They handled us with kid
gloves during an extremely emotional
time. While there were no guarantees,
they reassured us about our options."
Diagnosis: Twins
Dawn did get pregnant again. While
frightening at the time, Paul and Dawn
laugh when they recall their next big
surprise. "We were at Dr. Moskowitz's
office," says Dawn. "I couldn't see the
screen on the sonogram machine at first
and Paul was staring at it but not saying
anything. Finally, he put up two fingers."
Following the confirmation that they
were expecting twins, Dr. Moskowitz
again referred Dawn to the Perinatal
Institute for additional testing, as this
was considered a high-risk pregnancy.
At Jersey Shore, community obstetricians
have 24-hour coverage and consulting
services from staff perinatologists
at the institute. "We work closely with
families and their community obstetricians
to assist in the pregnancy,"
explains Dr. Canterino. "We also have
a team of neonatologists at the hospital
who treat babies in our Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit."
Many subsequent visits for Dawn
were routine and the babies' positions
and health were closely monitored. At
21 weeks, Dawn called Dr. Moskowitz
because she was feeling new pain and
possible contractions. "Dawn was showing
signs of preterm labor, and further evaluation
at the Maternity Unit at Jersey Shore
confirmed it," explains Dr. Moskowitz.
"She was placed on bed rest and a medication
regimen," he continues. "This was a
challenging period of time for her, I'm sure,
but it helped smooth the way for Dawn to
carry the babies closer to full term."
Birth and a New Journey
Weeks later, Dawn went into labor.
Because of the placement of one of the
babies, a cesarean section was required
and performed by Dr. Moskowitz. "My
delivery actually went pretty smoothly," she says. "It's obvious that the physicians at
Jersey Shore work well together, and their
confidence is very reassuring.
"Of course, I started crying when I saw
Alex and Caitlyn," Dawn recalls. "Now, we
just feel so lucky. We are enjoying every
new thing and just want them to be healthy
and happy."
 – Ryan Younger
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