Twice Born: Stories From the Special Delivery Unit Season 1 Episode 1 Episode One

Twice Born: Stories From the Special Delivery Unit is a documentary series that follows the stories of families, doctors, and nurses as they navigate the high-risk, high-reward world of a specialized fetal surgery unit. In the first episode, aptly titled Episode One, viewers are introduced to the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The SDU is an extraordinary unit that is equipped to handle the most complicated pregnancies and births, where the goal is not just to deliver healthy babies but to perform life-saving surgeries on fetuses while they are still in the womb.

The episode follows the story of Chris and Heather Carlisle, a couple from Illinois, who have flown to CHOP to have their baby, who is suffering from spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect in which the spinal cord doesn't form properly. It can cause a range of health problems, including paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, and difficulties with walking. The doctors at CHOP have told the Carlisles that their baby has a lesion on the lower part of her spine, and without surgery, she will likely face a lifetime of health issues.

The episode takes the viewer through the initial stages of the Carlisles' journey, from their initial diagnosis to the difficult decision to undergo fetal surgery. The history and science of fetal surgery are also explained, with interviews with doctors who work in the field. The surgery is risky, as the baby is still in the womb, and there is a risk of premature labor or other complications. However, the potential benefits are huge, and the doctors and parents are eager to go ahead with the procedure.

Viewers are also introduced to the team of doctors and nurses who will be performing the surgery, including Dr. Scott Adzick, the team leader, and Dr. Holly Hedrick, the fetal surgeon. The team prepares for the surgery, meticulously planning and rehearsing the procedure to minimize the risks. They also explain the various steps and the role of each member of the team.

The surgery itself is intense and emotional, with Chris and Heather anxiously waiting outside the operating room. The viewer is taken inside the operating room, where a team of doctors calmly and methodically work on the tiny fetus. The viewer can see the fetus on a monitor, and it's a surreal experience to watch the surgery happening in real-time. The surgeons are careful not to disrupt the placenta, which is like a lifeline for the fetus, and they work diligently to close the baby's spine.

After the surgery, the episode follows the Carlisles through the recovery process, from Heather's hospital bed to the NICU, where the baby is monitored closely. The episode highlights the psychological and emotional toll that fetal surgery can take on the parents, as they grapple with the uncertainty of the outcome.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, as the Carlisles learn that their baby has made it through the surgery without complications. While the baby still has a long road ahead, both in terms of recovery and managing her condition, her prognosis is much better than it would have been without the surgery.

Overall, Episode One of Twice Born: Stories From the Special Delivery Unit is a powerful and emotional introduction to the world of fetal surgery. The episode does an excellent job of explaining the science and history of the field while also providing a human face to the patients and families who benefit from it. The episode is gripping and intense, and viewers will undoubtedly be invested in the Carlisles' story and eager to see what happens next.