Mother Notices Her Baby’s Eyes Open During Pregnancy — Then Doctors Discover She Cannot Blink on Her Own

For Victoria LaBrie, watching her unborn daughter open her eyes during an ultrasound was an unforgettable moment. She had no idea that months later, those same beautiful eyes would reveal a rare medical condition requiring extraordinary daily care.

Her daughter, Hazel, was born with Moebius syndrome, a rare congenital neurological condition that affects facial movement and can make it difficult or impossible to blink independently.

An Unusual Moment During Pregnancy

Victoria, a mother from Minnesota, was already experiencing a challenging pregnancy when doctors discovered that her unborn daughter had hydrocephalus, a condition involving excess fluid within the brain.

The finding, identified during a 20-week scan, meant Hazel required additional medical monitoring before birth.

During later ultrasound appointments, Victoria noticed something fascinating: her daughter appeared to be opening her eyes inside the womb.

Although babies can open their eyes before birth, the moment became especially meaningful after Hazel’s arrival.

Doctors Notice Something Different After Birth

When Hazel was born, medical staff noticed that her eyes remained unusually wide open.

Unlike most newborns, she was unable to blink normally.

She was transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where specialists diagnosed her with Moebius syndrome.

The rare condition affects nerves responsible for controlling certain facial muscles, potentially causing facial weakness and difficulties with eye movement.

For Hazel, one of the most significant challenges was her inability to close her eyes independently.

A Mother Learns to Protect Her Baby’s Eyes

Blinking is something most people do without thinking. It helps distribute moisture across the eyes and protects their delicate surfaces.

But for Hazel, that natural protective movement requires help from her mother.

Victoria must regularly apply eye ointment and gently close her daughter’s eyelids manually to help prevent dryness and potential damage.

What would normally be an automatic movement has become an essential part of the family’s daily care routine.

Finding Hope in an Unexpected Journey

Despite the difficulties associated with her diagnosis, Hazel has continued adapting to life with her condition.

Victoria hopes that sharing her daughter’s experience will help other parents facing unexpected congenital diagnoses feel less alone.

Her story also highlights how rare conditions can transform seemingly ordinary parenting routines into acts of extraordinary dedication.

For Hazel, every day brings new opportunities to grow, surrounded by a family learning how to support her unique needs.

Source: Reporting on Victoria LaBrie and her daughter Hazel’s experience with Moebius syndrome.