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Johannesburg- Actress and singer, Ntombi Mzolo is praying for a miracle when she gives birth to her baby boy this morning.
Two months ago, the Shikisha presenter's unborn baby was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
This means that the left side of the heart hasn't fully developed, and as a result, it can't effectively pump blood. Because of the defect, the right side of the heart has to pump blood to both lungs and the rest of the body.
Speaking to The Juice, Ntombi explained that pregnant women whose babies are diagnosed with this condition are usually advised to terminate the pregnancy, as the survival rate is very low.
The day Ntombi's life changed
Ntombi explained that during a routine check-up with her gynaecologist, a scan picked up that her baby's heartbeat was not normal.
"I was seven months pregnant, and had visited three different gynaecologists before a proper diagnosis was made. They told me that this is a very rare condition, especially in South Africa," Ntombi explained.
Adding, "I was in complete shock when doctors first told me. My husband was out of the country at the time and I struggled to sleep for days."
Ntombi added that doctor's explained that her baby has been surviving through her, but unfortunately wouldn't survive more than a month once she gives birth.
"Doctors advised me to terminate my pregnancy, or to give birth to my baby and watch him die naturally... but this was not even an option for me. I couldn't choose to kill my child," said an emotional Ntombi.
Ntombi chooses to remain positive
Ntombi says that out of the three options she was given, she chose to carry her baby to full term, and has placed his life in God's hands.
"Doctors will give me 30 minutes to bond with my son after I give birth (today), and then he will be rushed into theatre for heart surgery. It kills me to think of my tiny baby going in for surgery, but I believe in miracles," she said.
Ntombi explained that even though doctors have told her that this type of surgery has a low success rate, she is leaving everything up to God.
Praying for a miracle
"Even though I'm worried, I'm excited to meet my son. Ever since I was told about his condition, I've tried to remain calm and positive, and have lived my life as normally as possible because I believe that through God, anything is possible. It's not up to me to decide his fate, but up to God," Ntombi said.
Ntombi hopes that by her sharing her story, it would give other women going through similar challenges hope.
"I have learnt to be positive, to remain calm and to let go of things that aren't in my control. All I can do is be positive so that this positive energy transfers to my baby as well," she added.
