Infection during pregnancy healed

A number of years ago, when I was expecting the birth of our third child, I had an opportunity to prove that we do not need to be afraid of a medical diagnosis since God’s law is the only law governing us.

During the last trimester, the physician informed me at a routine exam that I had an infection that could be harmful to the child at birth. This physician had attended the birth of our second child and knew that I was a Christian Scientist. He voiced his concern, but agreed to let me pray for a solution, without my taking medication.

A few weeks later he sent my husband, Karl, and me a detailed reprint of an article from a medical journal describing the disease, its effects, and how it could be treated. He asked us to meet with him. He explained how serious the condition was and the problems it could present to our unborn child. He said that he would need to deliver the child at a hospital equipped to handle infants in distress.

I had seen the effectiveness of Christian Science treatment in the past to heal physical conditions in my life, and I was certain it would prove effective in this case. By choosing to rely on my growing understanding of God to heal this condition, I felt I was giving myself and my child the best care I knew. My husband, too, had been amenable in the past to using Christian Science treatment for physical issues with our other two daughters. He agreed to stand by my desire in this case to rely on Christian Science treatment.

We employed a Christian Science practitioner to pray with us to eliminate all fear. I knew that God had created this child and would preserve and protect it. The weekly Bible Lesson found in the Christian Science Quarterly provided me with daily inspiration during this time. While I do not remember any specific citations I prayed with, I do remember watching my thinking. I rejected any thoughts that were unloving or fearful. I cherished the truth that God loved me, the child, and my family. I was a pure idea of God, and nothing unlike good could have a place in my thought or my body. I knew this child was created by God, perfect in every way, and would remain so under God’s law and care.

A few days before my monthly checkup, my husband expressed his concern and said that if the infection was not gone, he would like me to take the antibiotics that had been prescribed. I knew he only wanted the best for our children and that he was expressing his love, and I naturally agreed.

The physician’s test results showed no trace of the infection, and he was so happy for us. He continued to test for the infection at each visit and prior to delivery, but it had vanished. Our daughter was born perfect in every way and continues to bless our home. We are indeed grateful for this proof of God’s love and presence in our life.

Bonnie Stitt Jannasch
Brentwood, Tennessee, US

I would like to verify my wife’s account by presenting the medical facts of the situation. During a routine prenatal examination she was diagnosed with a strain of group B streptococci in the birth canal. The infection was identified and confirmed through repeated measures over time using standardized laboratory procedures. The threat to the baby, if infected by passing through the birth canal, was grave. The medical avenue of choice was antibiotic therapy of the mother before delivery, and we were told that the bacterial infection would not spontaneously resolve without this therapy.

No medical treatment was rendered during the pregnancy, and the infection cleared up completely. The change was verified through repeated tests in the weeks prior to delivery. The attending physician could not explain the disappearance of the infection using standard medical knowledge of infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology.