I'm half way to the end, or should I say to the beginning of a new life! I am feeling him move more and more. Today I want to express my gratitude for such a healthy little boy! We had a ruff week since our 20 week appointment last Thursday. I'll start from the beginning.
When we did IVF to get pregnant we had to do a procedure called ICSI. We were told there was a very small risk with ICSI that the fetus could have some kind of birth defect. We knew we were supposed to precede so with a lot of prayer we did. My entire pregnancy has been perfect. All of my ultra sounds were great and everything was going smooth. At our 20 week appointment they did a full exam of his brain, spine, umbilical cord and heart. He was so active and was moving like crazy. My placenta is running along the surface of my belly so the ultrasound tech said I don't feel him near as much as he is moving. He had his hands up by his face the entire time. We saw him sucking and she said "he is just thirsty". Crazy he drinks when he is thirsty!! I love this fun stage of development. He is weighing well over the normal weight and I am measuring almost a week early! It doesn't necessarily mean I'll deliver early, it just means we are having a very big BOY! He should weight about 8-9 oz. at 20 weeks. He weighed 15 oz!! That was the good news. She then told us not to get stressed but he has little spot on his heart called an EIF. This spot is common in Down Syndrome babies. She kept reassuring us that she didn't want us to panic because it could be nothing. She explained that the spot is just a small sign and he could still be perfectly healthy. She referred us to a Perinatologist and Genetics Councilor at Utah Valley. They would do a more detailed ultrasound and then would make the suggestion of getting an Amnio. Our appointment was scheduled for this Tuesday.
I think he will be a thumb sucker, or at least fingers.
(Below) The spot on his heart. An EIF is a calcification on the wall of one of the chambers in his heart.
Our appointment was with Dr. Julie Gainer at Utah Valley. She checked for all sorts of other signs. She said ultrasounds are the least accurate way to diagnose Down Syndrome. The only way to know for sure would be an Amnio. The Genetics Counselor said there is 1 in 500 chance that the Amnio would lead to my water breaking and a miscarriage. I know to most a 1 in 500 chance is so low but for me he might as well have said 1 in 1. After everything we have done to get this sweet baby I couldn't take the chance of loosing him. We opted not do the Amnio and get some blood work done instead.
Last night, Wednesday, Dr. Gainer called to tell us the results of the blood test. Brett and I were both thrilled to hear the new of our little one having a 1 in 9,100 chance of being Downs. She said the highest she has ever seen a test come back the baby did have Downs was 1 in 160. She said we really should not have to do the Amnio and his heart should be just as healthy as any other baby.
As I said we have so much to be thankful for. What a wonderful start to a Holiday Season. I am so excited for this upcoming month!!
I Am Grateful For....
1. An amazing husband and fun nieces!
2. A big fat baby belly (and TJ's too)!!
3. Twin cousins coming soon!!
4. This CHRISTMAS season!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
