A Baby Update

I know I said I would post my gender reveal today, but plans have changed ever so slightly and I want to announce it in a more fun way!  So my sweet friend Vanessa agreed to snap a few photos for us tonight...but that means you'll have to wait one more day before finding out BOY or GIRL.  In the meantime I wanted to post an update after our appointment yesterday.  After all, a healthy baby was first and foremost and I want to write it all down before I forget.

Our appointment started with the genetics counselor.  We had already met with this same counselor during Holden's pregnancy (just standard protocol for the nuchal translucency test) so there wasn't a lot of new history to go over; rather, she gave us all the info about the Penta Screen blood test that put us in our situation, talked a lot about Down Syndrome, and gave us our options going forward.

We learned our odds were actually 1 in 135--instead of the 1 in 224 odds we were given last week.  I don't fully understand all of the specifics, but basically my doctor's office re-submitted the blood work after the initial results were received (1 in 135) with a different gestational age.  However, because the difference in gestational age was not greater than 10 days, the second results (1 in 224) were ruled "invalid", making the first results (1 in 135) the most accurate.  That was definitely a step back.

I asked a lot about the Penta Screen blood test; more specifically, what was it in my blood that signified Down Syndrome?  She said the test scans my blood (which also includes the baby's blood) for four or five substances and looks for patterns in those substances.  The patterns within those substances in my blood were consistent with the patterns in the blood of moms who give birth to a baby with Downs.  However, the patterns aren't conclusive - a normal baby can have results similar to a baby with Downs, and a baby with Downs can have results similar to those of a "normal" baby (for lack of a better word).  Also, the patterns within my blood led to those 1 in 135 odds; some people's patterns predict odds much worse than that.

We also leaned about further testing.  We have basically two options going forward: 1) the non-invasive blood screening (the same test that people are using to determine gender; the one we wanted to do six weeks ago that was not covered by our insurance) and 2) an amniocentesis.  After discussing both tests with the genetics counselor, we elected to go forth with the non-invasive blood test.  From what I understand, this test won't give us a percentage or odds so-to-speak, but it will indicate a pass or fail grade.  Again, pass does not mean we're in the clear, and fail does not mean our baby has Down Syndrome.  However, it will give us another piece to the puzzle.  The only sure way to know of any chromosomal issues pre-birth is to do an amniocentesis.  During an amnio, the lab actually looks at the baby's chromosomes; therefore, they can tell you 100% whether your baby has Down Syndrome or not.

After meeting with the genetics counselor, we went in for our sonogram.  The technician told us what she was looking at with each new view, but she didn't tell us much more (I'm sure she isn't legally allowed).  It didn't help that I had to pee like no other, but it was pure torture waiting for the sonogram to be over.  However, I did watch the whole thing (minus when she was looking for gender) and tried to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

The doctor came in almost immediately after the technician was done and she had basically all good news to report.  She said the baby is growing normally (while she would expect a baby with a chromosomal issue to not grow at a normal rate), the eyes looked good, the heart looked good, and she didn't see any of the "soft markers" of Down Syndrome.  Based on her report and Baby's lack of soft markers, our risks automatically decreased by half.

She did see a cyst in the baby's brain.  The official name is a choroid plexus cyst, which actually isn't a cyst at all.  It's more like a gap in the veins growing in the brain.  Although it used to be a marker for Down Syndrome, because it's such a common occurrence among even the healthiest of babies, she assured us it was removed from that list last year.  She really wasn't concerned about the cyst whatsoever.

There was one view of the baby's heart she couldn't get; therefore, we have to go back in a month so that they can try again.  However, our trip back for another sono has nothing to do with a negative finding.  Rather, something they just couldn't see based on Baby's position.  Although I'm not worried, we could use some prayers that something else doesn't turn up at that sonogram (as it did with Brantley four years ago).

All in all, very good news!  The high-risk doctor flat out said, "If it were my baby, I wouldn't be concerned" which was the biggest reassurance of all.  We feel so incredibly lucky to have received such positive news and can't thank everyone enough for the positive thoughts, well-wishes, and prayers.

We did have the technician seal the gender inside an envelope, and together, Craig and I opened it at a celebratory dinner last night.  Some of our close family and friends already know (I still need to text some of you, sorry!), but I plan to post the results to social media tomorrow...I promise this time!

Thank you again for all of the support.  We're, of course, still not "in the clear" but we're feeling much better about the situation we're in.  Blood results will be back in about 10 days and like I said, we go back for another sono in four weeks.  Any and all prayers for continued health would be much appreciated!!


23 comments:

  1. It's 6:20 in the morning and I was hoping to see a gender announcement. You've broken my heart so early ;) I am happy to hear that you received some good news. I'll be praying that continues to be the cause.

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  2. What a relief to get more answers and hear positive things from your doctor. I'm so glad your appointment went well. You are absolutely killing me right now, but I will "patiently" wait to hear what baby 3.0 is. :)

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  3. I'm glad that, overall, you got some good reassuring news. I hope that things continue in that direction!

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  4. I'm so glad it went well! I was thinking of you and that sweet babe all day. <3

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  5. So glad you did get some pictures of your sweet baby and learned a ton along with good results!!!! Was thinking about you lots and I'm sure it was just torture watching the sono and not knowing what they were seeing!!

    But I'm dying over here to know this gender!!!!! Haha!

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  6. Such reassuring news! I'm continuing to pray that that remains.

    And I don't know if I can take the suspense much longer. ;)

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  7. I'm glad that everything is looking good. Looking forward to seeing your photos!

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  8. Your story is almost identical to ours. We had a 224 chance of DS and no markers were found at the level II ultrasound. Even though I was still nervous during my pregnancy everything turned out fine. Glad you're feeling better about things!

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  9. Happy to hear baby is doing great, growing, and is healthy!! Such an exciting time, I'm glad some of the stress has been lifted. Still sending prayers to you, your family, and baby!! :)

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  10. While I am so impatient and ready to know the gender, I am so glad you did this update first! I am so glad that you guys got some good news with this appointment. I will be praying for that sweet little babe! And now anxiously waiting for tomorrow! Unless you feel like you want to text me before then. ;) Can't wait to see the photos that Vanessa gets!

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  11. Sending you so many hugs and happy thoughts for a healthy and happy rest of your pregnancy!

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  12. Can't believe you are making us wait one more day.....just kidding! Can't wait to see the gender reveal pics!! So exciting!

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  13. So happy that everything is okay!! Can't wait to find out what you're having.

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  14. I was so thrilled when I saw your post last night. So happy things are looking positive for you guys. Fingers crossed for good results from the blood test. Can't wait to see your gender reveal pics!!

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  15. So glad you're getting some more answers! Can't wait to hear the gender!

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  16. What a precious baby! I love those pictures! I'm so glad the ultrasound went well. I am hoping for more good news to come!

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  17. Happy to hear things are looking good! You are continued in my prayers! I can't wait to hear what baby is!!

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  18. Lots of prayer coming your way for unfiltered joy in preparation for this special little bundle of love. Can't wait to see if you are going to indeed be adding to the fraternity- trying to even up the Sides'.

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  19. Aw I was hoping we would see the gender and then I got worried but now I am glad it seems like it is all going to be okay!

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  20. I'm glad to hear that things are looking more positive for your babe. I'll continue to shoot you some positive vibes from Wisconsin & cannot wait to hear about the gender. :)

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  21. I'm glad to hear that your doctor said that there is nothing to be concerned about! I hope the next sonogram goes well too. And I can't wait to find out what you're having!
    Evelina @ Fortunate House

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  22. SO SO SO SO happy for you!!! That is such great news!!! CANNOT wait for tomorrow to find out the gender!

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  23. I know you're not in the clear yet, but this all does really sound positive. Still thinking and praying for you guys however the outcome may be!

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