My wife is in week 20 of our first pregnancy. I am 36, she is 34. We are normal, healthy individuals. About 3 weeks ago, we received a call that we were “positive” for a DS baby after the quad test. After our own research, no thanks to the clinicians, we discovered that we showed an increased risk, NOT necessarily a DS baby. The good news was, we could live with that.
Our results showed a 1:5 chance for DS. Rather than tell us, “you have an 80% chance of a healthy baby”, we were told that we had tested “positive for DS”. How BS is that?! We went in for an Ultrasound. BTW, the DR hasn’t even made contact since the quad test. The RN was the one who called with the results. How tacky is that?! After doing a lot of research, we realized that these test produce too many false positives. We would very likely not have this done in the future.
While waiting 4-5 agonizing days to get the US, we decided that we things could be worse and hoped only for an otherwise healthy baby. The day of the US, the Clinicians were looking for the common markers for DS. Brain, Neural fold, Heart, Intestines, Simian Crease, Humorous length. . .all good. Femur was a few days short in terms of development. I, of course, reminded the MD and my wife that I have relatively short legs and a long torso. . .laughs. Oh yeah, at this point, we find out it’s a boy. We hadn’t really given much thought to preference, just wanted a healthy baby. Also, the baby showed signs of “sandal toes”. This is where the big toe is spread apart from the others. I reminded my wife that I also have this. Had to show her when we got home .
Soft markers, but given out 1:5 risk, cause for concern. I, however, was happy to see no major or life-threatening conditions. I read somewhere that a husband asked if a DS child could still love, fish, and play ball. Hell yes they can. This was just fine with me! What a brilliant question!
We decided on an amnio. . .simply to be prepared and alleviate the stress of not knowing. I have to admit, it worried me to watch the screen as the needle went in. My poor wife jumped a bit, but claimed it didn’t hurt, “just felt weird”. Bless her for being such a trooper! I likely would have screamed just prior to vomiting or passing out! Luckily, the little guy stayed away from the needle (stranger danger). 24 hrs went by with little if any reaction. A little sore is how my wife describes it. Although not necessary, I made her lie down for 24 hrs and wouldn’t let her lift a finger. I know, I am way to hyper-sensitive.
We opted for the FISH test. . .we wanted answers. 3 days later, the genetic counselor called with good news! The FISH test showed now abnormalities. 1st hurdle: no birth defects on the ultrasound. 2nd hurdle, FISH test was good. Today is day 14 for the Amnio results. We had to put our 16 year old dog too sleep (Nanook). He was a true companion and will be missed. One of the worst days of our lives ended with a beautiful ray of hope. The Amnio came back with no apparent abnormalities! I think my wonderful dog knew today was a day to remember. It was the worst and the best day all in one!
For now, we are so relieved to be able to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. I was so worried about my lovely wife and her well being during the last 3 weeks. No one needs that kind of stress. I am sure our baby will be born with a receding hairline .
I am writing this for all of you who find yourself in the same situation. Keep your head up and look for the positives. We were 1:5. It doesn’t get much worse in terms of odds. Having a false positive is no picnic, but in hindsight, we count each and every blessing as they come. As I type this, by beautiful wife is sleeping with our 2 cats and dog around her. They know she is sad and happy. I hope that someone will read this and find comfort in the fact that things are not always a bad as they seem.
-an over-reactive, scare-to-death, extremely happy, father-to-be!