Doctors Thought Her Hand Was Closed in a Fist During Pregnancy — Then Baby Olivia Was Born With a Rare Hand Difference

Throughout her pregnancy, Paulette had no reason to believe anything was unusual about her unborn daughter’s development.

During ultrasound examinations, her baby appeared to be keeping one hand closed in a fist. Because of that position, doctors could not clearly assess how the fingers were forming.

It was only after Olivia arrived that her family discovered she had been born with two congenital conditions: symbrachydactyly and Poland syndrome.

Her hand looked visibly different, with abnormally developed fingers. The diagnosis also involved a rare difference affecting the development of her chest wall.

An Unexpected Discovery at Birth

Olivia was Paulette’s first child, and receiving the diagnoses brought uncertainty about what the future might hold.

Symbrachydactyly is a congenital condition in which fingers may be unusually short, underdeveloped or joined together.

Poland syndrome affects the development of structures on one side of the chest and can occur alongside hand differences.

For Paulette, the immediate concern was understanding how these conditions might affect her daughter’s ability to participate in everyday activities as she grew.

Finding Specialists Who Understood Her Condition

Olivia’s primary care physician referred the family to the hand and upper extremity program at Shriners Children’s Northern California.

There, she was initially evaluated by pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Claire Manske.

The team examined Olivia’s hand function and discussed ways to support her development.

Rather than assuming that surgery was necessary, the specialists focused on understanding what Olivia could already do and what assistance she might benefit from in the future.

Learning to Use Her Hand in Her Own Way

As Olivia grew, she developed effective ways of using her affected hand to help with daily activities.

Her mother explained that Olivia could pinch objects and use the hand to assist with tasks.

Because her function remained stable, her medical team did not recommend surgery.

Instead, Olivia continued attending periodic appointments to monitor her development and identify any new needs.

By December 2025, she required only an annual checkup.

Two Special Devices for the Activities She Loves

Although Olivia manages many activities independently, she has access to two specialized prosthetic devices.

One is a flexible helper hand that supports her grip on bicycle handlebars.

The other is a stronger hook-style device that she can use during activities such as gymnastics.

These devices are not intended to replace everything her hand can do. Instead, they provide additional assistance when a particular activity requires it.

Olivia chooses when to wear them, depending on what she wants to accomplish.

From an Uncertain Diagnosis to a Childhood Full of Activities

Olivia has developed a wide range of interests, including drawing, photography, swimming and gymnastics.

She has also participated in cheerleading and Mexican folkloric dancing.

Her mother credits Olivia’s growing independence partly to the support the family received from specialists and the opportunity to meet other children with similar limb differences.

Seeing other patients helped the family understand that Olivia could develop her abilities in ways that worked for her.

What initially appeared to be a frightening diagnosis has become one aspect of a childhood filled with creativity, movement and new experiences.

Source: Shriners Children’s Northern California, December 1, 2025 — Beyond the Diagnosis: How Olivia Dances, Flips and Creates.