Kern County, Calif. – A teenager’s alarming physical and mental health decline during her pregnancy led to a difficult decision for her mother. Abigail Aguilar, 18 at the time and three months pregnant, shocked her mother, Quintina Sims, by calmly stating her intention to harm herself. Aguilar had been suffering from severe nausea, intense migraines, and extreme weakness, symptoms that had been dismissed by doctors as typical pregnancy manifestations.
Concerned about her daughter’s well-being, Sims took Aguilar to a hospital in an attempt to find answers. However, after several failed treatments, including medications and fluids, Aguilar’s condition continued to worsen. Her behavior became increasingly bizarre and she experienced hallucinations. Sims was faced with what she described as the most difficult decision of her life – whether or not to end her daughter’s pregnancy in the hopes of saving her life.
Aguilar, now 21, made a remarkable recovery after her pregnancy was terminated. She is currently employed as a preschool teacher’s assistant and studying child development at a community college. Reflecting on her ordeal, Aguilar emphasized the importance of valuing life and the support of her family.
Aguilar’s journey began in the fall of 2021, when she found out she was pregnant. Initially, everything seemed fine, but Aguilar’s morning sickness soon became debilitating, accompanied by excruciating headaches. Despite seeking medical help, doctors attributed her worsening condition to the normal challenges of pregnancy.
By December 2021, Aguilar’s health had deteriorated to the point where she struggled with insomnia and intense mood swings. Her mother took her to the emergency room multiple times, but doctors still saw no cause for alarm. Aguilar’s condition reached a breaking point on Christmas Day when she seemed disoriented and made disturbing statements.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Sims sought help from the police. A nurse at a mental health clinic urged Sims to take her daughter to Loma Linda University Medical Center immediately. This advice proved to be crucial, as doctors at the hospital soon discovered that Aguilar was suffering from anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare and life-threatening disease that affects the brain.
Treatment options were limited and complicated by Aguilar’s pregnancy. Medical professionals warned Sims about the potential risks of certain medications to the fetus. Despite extensive consultation and consideration, Sims made the difficult decision to terminate Aguilar’s pregnancy in order to prioritize her health and save her life.
Following the surgery, Aguilar’s condition dramatically improved. Her memory returned, and she regained the ability to perform simple tasks that had previously been impossible. Weeks of recovery and medication adjustment followed, during which Aguilar confronted the emotional toll of the experience.
In an unexpected turn of events, Aguilar became pregnant again in December 2022. This time, the pregnancy progressed smoothly, closely monitored by neurologists and obstetricians. With the support of her family, Aguilar successfully gave birth to a healthy baby girl in August 2023.
Aguilar’s story highlights the challenges and difficult decisions faced by individuals and their families when navigating complex medical scenarios. It also underscores the importance of timely and accurate diagnoses in ensuring proper treatment and care.