Pregnant Mom Expecting to Hear Baby’s Heartbeat Learns She’s a Carrier of Rare Genetic Disorder
TEXAS — A routine prenatal checkup turned emotional for a 35-year-old expectant mother who thought she was simply going to hear her baby’s heartbeat — only to learn she carries a rare genetic condition that could affect her unborn child.
Nika Diwa, a lifestyle content creator and mother of two, shared her story on TikTok, where her video has now drawn more than 1.4 million views. The viral clip, captioned “We went in just to hear baby’s heartbeat but got a pregnancy plot twist instead,” shows Diwa undergoing a blood test at her hospital appointment.
A Heartbeat Appointment Turns Into Genetic Discovery
Speaking to Newsweek, Diwa explained that she had decided to take genetic testing for the first time in her three pregnancies after learning that her sister was a carrier for G6PD deficiency, a hereditary enzyme disorder.
“I had a sneaky suspicion something might come back,” she said. “It was two weeks of hell waiting for the results.”
When her results arrived, doctors confirmed that she was indeed a carrier for G6PD deficiency — a condition that affects the body’s ability to protect red blood cells from damage. “Regardless of what happens, if my baby has the condition, it won’t change anything,” she said. “Now that I know, I am more prepared and can give the baby tools and resources to survive.”
Understanding G6PD Deficiency
G6PD deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that keeps red blood cells healthy. Without it, the cells can break down too early, leading to hemolytic anemia, which can cause fatigue, pale skin, and jaundice.
The disorder is genetically inherited, primarily through the X chromosome, which means boys are more likely to develop symptoms, while girls are more often carriers. It is especially common among people of Asian, African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent, affecting roughly 1 in 10 African-American men in the U.S.
Diwa’s husband, Emeka Ihedigbo, tested negative for the condition, lowering the risk that their baby will develop it — though their daughters may also be carriers.
Preparing for the Future and Encouraging Awareness
Now 24 weeks pregnant, Diwa said she plans to wait until she learns the baby’s sex to determine if the child could be affected. “I encourage all women to advocate for the best possible care,” she said. “There are so many unknowns in pregnancy — knowledge is power, and we shouldn’t be afraid.”
She added that she plans to educate her daughters about their genetic background when they’re older, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preventative testing.
Viral Reaction and Shared Experiences
The emotional TikTok post, which has received more than 46,000 likes, prompted other mothers to share their own experiences with genetic testing and inherited conditions. One commenter wrote, “Same happened to me, except I’m a carrier of cystic fibrosis.” Another shared, “My daughter has G6PD — it’s an adjustment for sure, but she has a mild case.”
Many praised Diwa for her openness, calling her story “a reminder to get tested and ask questions during pregnancy.”
While Diwa admitted the discovery was initially overwhelming, she said it ultimately gave her peace of mind. “It won’t change anything about how I love or care for this baby,” she said. “If anything, it makes me more prepared.”
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