Finding a PFO: Missed Bubble Study and Further Testing

In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Aliabadi sit down with Hailey Bieber to discuss a terrifying health scare at 25. She experienced a TIA (mini-stroke) with classic stroke symptoms, and the chain of testing that led to finding (and closing) a PFO.

Hailey also shares how her pregnancy was a surprise. It was complicated by a uterine septum and conversations about miscarriage risk. She explains how her care team monitored her for preterm risk.

Hailey discuss induction tools like the Foley balloon, how she handled the epidural, and what it felt like when she couldn’t stop bleeding after delivery. Dr. Aliabadi breaks down postpartum hemorrhage and the Jada device that was used to stop it quickly.

They also cover postpartum life, including anxiety, pumping/breastfeeding, PMDD months later, postpartum rehab (including pelvic floor therapy), and Hailey’s approach to balancing motherhood with building her company.

Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert insight on women’s heart health, stroke warning signs, and what to know about PFOs, plus real talk on pregnancy risk, labor and delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, PMDD, and recovery after birth. Share this episode with a friend, and visit the SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, practical guidance, and expert support for women’s health and well-being.

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What You’ll Learn:

What a TIA can look like at 25, and the stroke symptoms Hailey experienced

What a PFO is, why it can be missed on early testing, and how closure works

What a uterine septum is, and why 3D imaging can matter for diagnosis

How preterm-risk screening was explained, plus the monitoring/support plan discussed

What postpartum hemorrhage can feel like in real time, and how rapid intervention can change outcomes

Key Timestamps:

(01:51) Hailey joins the show + why she wanted to share her story

(03:41) The TIA at 25 and the stroke symptoms she experienced

(05:20) PFO basics and why the first bubble study missed it

(06:33) PFO closure surgery and how the closure device works

(11:06) “Let’s move on to the pregnancy” and why it was a surprise

(12:11) What a uterine septum is and the miscarriage risk discussed

(14:03) Why septums get missed on ultrasound and why 3D imaging matters

(15:30) The preterm blood test explained and what it measures

(16:59) What happens if you test high-risk, including progesterone, aspirin, and closer monitoring

(27:03) Induction details, including the Foley balloon and epidural timing

(31:51) “I couldn’t stop bleeding” after delivery and what that moment felt like

(33:05) Sensing panic in the room, getting meds “to clot,” and asking “am I okay?”

(35:57) Postpartum hemorrhage explained and why the Jada device was used

(45:12) Postpartum PMDD, diagnosis, and what it felt like

(56:19) Postpartum rehab and why pelvic floor therapy mattered

(59:58) Working through pregnancy and easing back in after baby

(01:02:35) Closing advice on trusting your intuition

Key Takeaways:

• A TIA can present with classic stroke symptoms, even in a young patient.
• PFOs can be missed on initial testing. Additional imaging/testing can change the diagnosis.
• A uterine septum can be underdiagnosed on standard ultrasound, and may meaningfully affect pregnancy risk.
• Postpartum hemorrhage can escalate fast. Quick intervention matters.
• Postpartum care is more than “bouncing back.” Mental health (like PMDD) and physical rehab deserve real attention.

Guest Bio:

Hailey Bieber is a mom and founder who shares her experience navigating a TIA, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery with Dr. Aliabadi. She says she first started seeing Dr. Aliabadi at 19, developed her company idea in 2020, and launched it in 2022. She later worked through her pregnancy in 2024 and returned when she felt ready.

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