Cartwright Curse: The trope's origin, with the death of Ben's first wife, Elizabeth Stoddard.
Death by Childbirth: Elizabeth became seriously ill late in her pregnancy with Adam, and would not survive long after delivery. Today, the condition she suffered would likely be fingered as pre-eclampsia.
Framing Device: The episode begins with Ben is watching over a seriously ill Adam who will reach a point of crisis over the night it is then the episode enters flashback as Ben remembers Adam's mother and the episode ends with Adam waking up in the morning alright.
Missing Mom: The story hearkens back to how Ben and Elizabeth welcomed Adam into the world when Ben was a First Mate in the Merchant Marines.
Whole Episode Flashback: Apart from a short scene at the beginning and at the end, the whole episode is a flashback regarding Ben and Elizabeth's relationship.
