Suddenly, a steady sound of a heartbeat filled the room—the baby's heartbeat.

I bit back tears, clutching the hem of my shirt like it was the only thing holding me together.

After, everything felt like a blur. Dr. Bennett cleaned me up, gave me some instructions about diet and vitamins, and sent me on my way. At the front desk, the receptionist handed me my next appointment date and printed out the ultrasound images.

I barely noticed any of it. Once I ...