Echogenic Bowel

I had a complicated pregnancy 14 years ago. Not exactly the same problem, but I can relate to how you are feeling....they did an ultrasound and it was a "....but there's a problem" moment, followed by more tests. What I can tell you is that there are many advances in medicine today and so many things they can diagnose while a baby is still in the womb! It really is amazing. I went to a specialist (perinatologist) in Boca who was really great; they were with me every step of the way. I'm trying to remember her name! They were 2 women doctors working together and they had offices in West Boca and at Northwest Regional as well as up in WPB. In fact they did all my procedures at Good Samaritan (quite a drive from Parkland!) If you really need it, I'll try to find you the names....oh wait, one was Anne Graham and the other....(this is what happens when you're 46!) ....I might have to look in my son's baby book! Anyway, please feel free to write me if you feel you just need to talk. I know how BIG this all seems in a pregnancy where each passing day something new and exciting is happening with your baby's development...and then you hear something might not be perfect, and there is nothing you can do but wait and see. I will keep you and your baby in my prayers, H..

Hi H.:
With my first child, he had an echogenic bowel and two echogenic foci in the heart. The more markers you have the more likely you are to have Down's Syndrome. The day they spotted the marks I had the amnio and it was fine. There were no genetic abnormalities. With my second son, he had an echogenic focus in his heart and the doctor told me that it's so common he wouldn't have told me if it wasn't the law that he had to disclose it. I didn't have the amnio and my son was fine. Now I am pregnant with a girl and was shocked that she did not have an echogenic focus anywhere in her body.
I know that it's scary, but I've talked to a lot of ultrasound techs that believe these foci have always been there, but now that the technology is so advanced they see it more often. I hope everything works out for you. If you need anything else please let me know.

Hi H.. There is so much to worry about when we're pregnant! If there is one thing I have learned, it is that all of this "testing and technology" is often wrong. I have had more friends, myself included, be absolutely terrified mid pregnancy, only to have everything be just fine. The best thing you can do is remain calm, as you are emitting all your feelings to your baby. All this said, I just had to write to tell you that I feel people with Down Syndrome are angels on earth. It is my hearts desire to adopt a baby with Down Syndrome. I don't want to minimize any of your feelings, or say anything in the wrong way, but just keep an open heart, that perhaps the "worst case scenario" could be one of the greatest things in your life. I have never met a person with Down's, at any age, that did not smile and just exude love. No matter what happens, you will be fine, I promise!!

i've heard of ultrasound results detecting markers and the baby is born with no conditions at all. every child, in any form, with any condition is a blessing. congratulations
i don't want to minimize what you are feeling but i have to say some of the most beautiful, affectionate and loving people in this world have down syndrome or other conditons that parents typically fear when given the diagnosis. i would welcome such a child into my life. i believe they have a specific purpose and a lot to teach us. what a blessing! there is nothing to fear if you remember that god only gives us what we can handle and will benefit from. if you approach this with love, you can't go wrong. good luck to you and your family.