Abstract

Pope Francis beautifully describes how the perinatal journey starts in mystery. Doctors may forget this. We focus on the science that may partially explain how conception and implantation occur, how the placenta functions, and the gradual development of embryo and fetus. But science cannot address that meta-physical—or spiritual—reality. The question of “why?” is never too far away from the minds of expectant parents. Why now? Why me? Why did my baby develop these terrible problems? Why is my life being challenged in this way? Maternal-fetal “cross-talk” is a reality that cannot be denied. It occurs both when the fetus is quiet and when the fetus is active. It may be facilitated by fetal imaging—an ultrasound of...