Kentucky father shares story of how an app helped save his daughter's life

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In 2021, a Kentucky family realized something was wrong during the pregnancy of their third child. They found it out through an app.

Michael Wolff and his wife Cathleen had the "Count the Kicks" app on their phones. The app tracks a baby's movement throughout a pregnancy.

One day, Cathleen realized their baby wasn't moving normally, so they called their doctor. After a few days of monitoring the pregnancy, doctors performed an emergency c-section. That's when they found out why the baby wasn't moving normally.

"It was a complete knot in her cord, which obviously was the culprit, it was totally tied. So, it was just choking everything off. Was wrapped around her neck and her hands," Michael said.

After a week in the NICU, Margot got to go home with her family. Michael said the app helped save her life.

"By the time we've gone back to the doctor it may have been too late, so I think having the everyday check in and knowing, okay, this is what's normal, and then being able to see, not just think, maybe this isn't," said Michael.

Dr. Lori Caloia is a medical director at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Kentucky. She said there's an average of 311 stillbirths a year in Kentucky. The app was created to help prevent stillbirths.

"Approximately 25% of stillbirths are preventable, but unfortunately, when they happen, usually it's because they're just not identified soon enough, as far as being able to do something about it. So, this app is really meant to help prevent those stillbirths," Caloia said.

Michael said Margot is now a happy four-year-old. For Father's Day, he wants to give advice to future dads.

"Don't be scared to be involved. Go to the doctor's appointments and take a hands-on role when taking care of the baby and trying to figure out what the father can do," said Michael.

To download the "Count the Kicks" app, click the link here.

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