My pregnancy has just been off the wall stressful, at least it sure seems that way at this very moment. First the nucal fold was higher than the max and I had CVS done. No down syndrome. But I did find out it is a boy, but there is a 50-50 chance he can have a bleeding disorder. But, I can deal with that. We decided to wait and see with that since testing the fetus would have required my older son to have testing as well. Then, there was something in his heart on a fetal scan. They said all was fine but wanted to do another one. Okay. Turns out with the 2nd scan that everything is fine but what the heck? Why tell me all is well the firsrt time, just tell me there is some type of reflection or shading when I went for the 2nd. Well, everything in that area is also fine. His little heart is perfect and pumping just fine. Plus he would just not stop moving. He made sure the technician knew he was in there. I have a growth US done this week and he is doing very well, right where he should be. BUT (of course) there is a bit enlargement of posterior fossa. Oh, but his brain is all symmetrical and formed well and great bloodflow. Suggested an MRI. But won't tell me what could be wrong because they don't want me to worry. Gee, thanks. Now today my husband calls me to tell me they have to reschedule my MRI to next week instead. So stupid me googled up a study that was done in 2007 or something about enlarged pf. Real smart because it talks about Dandy Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus (? sp) and survival at birth. nd it talked about trisomy 13 and 18-which the CVS ruled out. I feel like I am walking a tightrope that is snared and breaking and ready to snap at any moment. Or is that just me ready to snap? I won;t even mention the stress at home with my tweens that lately don't seem to be able to do anything themselves without me pointing out and giving exact intructions on what needs to be done in the house. Sorry, going off here but that is how stressed I feel right now, and of course hubby tells me it is not good and I will hurt the baby. Thanks a lot. Anyway, getting back to my reason here, has anyone here had an enlarged--or as I was told just slightly enlarged--posterior fossa and what was the outcome? In the study it mentioned that there were false pos/neg and there were a few scans that the post natal scan showed nothing while the prenatal showed possibility. I have no one to ask-except of course the doc who will not tell me-about experiences or what it could be for whatever could happen. I feel like I am locked in a dark closet and will be given little clues one at a time, maybe.
Okay, I am a little more calm today though this pregnancy just seems way more stressful than my last 2. it seems everything pops up. I am tryingto think that I am actually pretty lucky because I did not have any morning sickness, though the heartburn really sucks sometimes. Sometimes food just makes me feel blah. But every time I have had a test done, it came out great. The CVS testing for DS and the trisomy 13 and 18 came out perfect. The heart scans came out great at the end. I know we can handle the bleeding disorder if that does come back as positive since we are handling it well with my 12 yr old--and we have learned along the way so can handle some things better if it comes to be. I am normally the mom that lets things roll and deal with it as it comes along. I had triplets and was not as stressed about it as I feel now. Anyway. I was able to talk to a doctor from my doc office and was told that everythng actually looks great. There is a little enlargement but not horriblwe and some babies are just enlarged for themselves. The test is just to make sure they are not missing something just in case. It is easier to test prenatal than post because they don;t have to sedate the baby. Ha, little do they know my little guy. He does not stop moving. I figure he is going to start kickboxing the second he is born. But he also told me the baby's growth is fine and all blood flow is great. Just keep telling myself to breathe.
I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. I don't know about this specific test, but I hear sooo many times that something comes up on the ultrasound or in bloodwork suggesting any of a # of things could be wrong with the baby- and the baby turns out to be perfectly normal. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to freak out, try to keep your mind busy with other things.
Best wishes :)
First of all, I will send you prayers and positive energy.
Ok, second, and a close second at that, I'd DEMAND from your doctor that he be completely forthcoming with you about what you may - or may not - be dealing with. You absolutely have that right to know. If you are submitting to testing, you have a right to know what you are being tested for. I would demand that information from your doctor, like, YESTERDAY. It is not for him to decide whether to cause you worry or not. I'd say that you have plenty to be concerned about and keeping this one 'secret' isn't helping matters. You need the cards on the table. Period. NOW.
You need to have the option of discussing any potential issues with a genetic counselor, so you can better understand what you are facing, whether it materializes or not.
I don't have any experience with the issues you are describing, but you can bet your bottom dollar that if I was facing the issues you are, I'd make sure my doctor was COMPLETLEY TRANSPARENT about EVERYTHING.
I opted not to have any of the screens done. I just didn't want to worry about anything that I couldn't change in the end. I know that's not the right choice for everyone, and I respect everyone's choice to have or decline the testing...
Best wishes to you... as I said, sending you strength, wisdom, and prayer!
Im sorry, my only advise is relax and breath.
Hi,
I just wanted to give you some encouragement. My ultrasound diagnosed possible hydrocephalous (sp?). Which could mean brain surgery and learning defects. I went to several level 2 ultrasounds that also said likely he had hydrocephalus, and was told the baby needed an ultrasound of his brain right after birth. It was so stressful, but I just kept thinking positive. I figured there was nothing I could do about it until he was born anyway.
He had the ultrasound after birth and he was just boarder line. We had to visit a neurosurgeon three times over the first year and get my son an MRI. All this was to find out he is normal. He is perfectly fine!
The problem is that OB doctors can be so easily sued if something turns out wrong with a baby. If there is even the slightest, tiniest, chance something is abnormal they tell you so they cover their own butts. But most really don't want to worry you over what is probably nothing, but they can't tell you it's probably nothing.
So chances are your little guy is just fine. I'll p ray he is. :)
I strongly suggest that you go to another doctor for a second opinion. Some doctors seem to overreact to everything without realizing the unnecessary stress that it puts mom under. Maybe your doc is one of those docs... or maybe he has real need for concern. You won't know unless you find another doctor and ask their opinion of the scans. Good luck!!!
I've never been through exactly what you're describing, but I am also a freaker-outer person who looked up all the "what-ifs" relating to everything little thing with pregnancy--it was a very stressful time for me! I did have to use a high-risk OB group (in addition to my regular OB) for my second pregnancy due to my first being a little preemie with no assignable cause. For my second, I also had too much fluid in there at one point which can lead to and be a symptom of all sorts of other issues. Baby #2 was all fine and good (also a little early with no cause, but I guess that's just how I'm made)!
I HIGHLY recommend getting into a high-risk OB practice if you're not already. And if you are, get a 2nd opinion to spell out the risk factors.
And lastly, if there is something with your baby, will it make you love him any less? Not likely! So, no matter what, you will have a beautiful baby boy to love and care for--keep that in mind when all the medical mumbo-jumbo gets you down!
Many prayers for you and your family!
To relax use the web site of www.birthlink.com and locate prenatal yoga classes that are convenient to where you live. If you can go to at least one class, there will be breathing and relaxation opportunities and the comfort of being with other prenatal Moms for networking. Congratulations on your pregnancy and understand that taking a walk or otherwise doing something just for YOU is important. Having prenatal massage is also a way to relax your body. The birthlink web site - JoAnn Lindberg is also a good person for your consultation about some of your tests and choices.
