A woman who had recently undergone heart transplant surgery died less than 24 hours after giving birth to a healthy baby girl.
When 31-year-old Megan Moss Johnson gave birth on Thursday, June 27, she and her husband Nathan were overjoyed to welcome their first child. The couple had just gone through a difficult time after Megan had to undergo heart surgery for a condition she has had since she was a kid.
Everything seemed fine with Megan following the delivery. Nathan posted a photograph of the family together on Instagram to celebrate the birth of their daughter, Eilee. He wrote that the delivery was quick and smooth, and that Megan's heart was working perfectly.
Josh Wilson, Nathan's friend and bandmate, said Megan and Nathan were so excited that they had a hard time sleeping. The couple spent roughly the next six hours taking care of their newborn baby. Megan was even able to hold her daughter and feed her.
However, Megan suddenly began suffering from complications. By late morning, her family was given news that she had passed away. It is still not yet clear what exactly caused Megan's death.
Nathan took their daughter home following his wife's death. His friends said he's been "up and down" but is surrounded by loved ones.
Megan's Fight Against Myocarditis
While doctors have yet to determine what caused Megan to develop complications, her heart surgery, coupled with her pregnancy, may have increased her risk for other health problems.
When she was just 15 years old, Megan was diagnosed with myocarditis, a potentially fatal disease known to cause an inflammation of the heart. She was forced to give up sports and take medicines to help her deal with the condition.
In 2010, symptoms of Megan's myocarditis reappeared, causing her to develop congestive heart failure. She finally had to undergo heart transplant surgery to address her condition but was able to make a full recovery.
Such an ordeal can increase women's risk for developing complications during pregnancy, according to the American Heart Association. This can be seen in mothers who are given immunosuppressive medications following surgery. These drugs could negatively affect the development of the fetus, as well as increase the mother's risk of rejection after she gives birth to her child.
Women who have undergone heart transplant surgery are often advised by doctors to consult their obstetrician and transplant cardiologist first about the pros and cons of pregnancy.
Team Johnson
Megan's heart surgery proved to be a life-changing experience for her. In an interview with local reporters at the time, she shared her thoughts on her condition and how organ donation helped save her life.
"I never thought about being an organ donor until I needed one," Megan said.
"It can save lives. It saved mine. It's the gift of life."
Megan's friends said she also became a big supporter of organ donation. Her organs are going to be donated to help save the lives of more than 50 other people.
Wilson started a GoFundMe crowdfunding page named "Team Johnson" to help Nathan and his daughter. He said he had created it to let Nathan, a Christian music artist, take some time off the road to deal with the situation.
The page has raised $401,385 as of Monday, July 3. It reached its target of $400,000 in just four days.
