6 toes on both feet at 20wk ultrasound! Freaking out!!!!!!

ffair07 · May 2014

Today has been a VERY upsetting day for me. I had to have a level II ultrasound at a maternal fetal medicine doctor because a small choriod plexus cyst was seen on my 18 week ultrasound. My prayers were answered and the cyst is no longer there as predicted by my doctor. But the ultrasound tech today tells me my baby has an extra big toe on both of his feet. I cried the remainder of the ultrasound. I am not a superficial person so please do not think that. It is just very upsetting to learn your baby has a "birth defect". Also they said there was some fluid in one of the kidneys but also that this is very common in boys. The Dr. then went on to dicuss the option of me having an amniocentesis to check for down syndrome. I am 27, this is my first baby, and there is no history of any genetic disorders in my family or baby's father's side. Also no history of the polydactyly on either of our sides, so not sure where these extra little toes are coming from. Any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly appreciated! Please help me ease my mind!!!

Has anyone ever had this finding on one of your ultrasounds or know of anyone who has?

Does anyone know if there is a possibility the ultrasound tech was not correct in the counting of the toes? (It's hard for me to decipher those images and they didn't give me a picture of the feet otherwise I would post)

Any advice about the fluid in the kidney and getting the amniocentesis?

Thank You!!

TheOtherJacobsons · May 2014

Aw, I'm sorry you had a rough day. I have zero input on any of your questions, but I wanted to respond. I hope everything else goes well.

MorganWP · May 2014

I dont know if I would completely trust the toe count from an ultrasound and wait to see once the baby was born.
That said, My uncle and cousin, not father - child but uncle - niece, were both born with extra pinky fingers. They were removed as babies and now they just have little bumps on their hands.

lrobi13 · May 2014

I have no advice but wanted to offer my support. I think having extra toes is better than not having enough. Fx that you get better answers.

SaphireShimmer · May 2014

Sorry no experience or knowledge to offer. Best wishes though that its just a minor cosmetic 'defect' with no other problems. Did the doctor offer any insight as to possible causes or any material to read?

BreandMikewedding · May 2014

My grandma and aunt both had 6 toes with two big toes. They had the extra big toe removed from each foot so that shoes would fit better.

I don't have any words of wisdom about the kidneys. I am sure this was difficult to hear and I understand your concern. I hope everything turns out fine.

LightBright515 · May 2014

I wouldn't stress about the actual extra digits. When I used to work at a peds office, I saw two babies with extra digits and we tied them off, and then they fell off. Little stumps remained.

Amnio is a very personal decision. But I hope it all works out for you.

WiFiMom2be · May 2014

I'm so sorry that you got some mixed news on your A/S. I think my Grandma had an extra little toe that they removed when she was young. I will keep my fingers crossed that your sweet baby is healthy. Hang in there! {{hugs}}

archi35 · May 2014

MorganWP said:

I dont know if I would completely trust the toe count from an ultrasound and wait to see once the baby was born. That said, My uncle and cousin, not father - child but uncle - niece, were both born with extra pinky fingers. They were removed as babies and now they just have little bumps on their hands.

I completely understand feeling upset about something being off - but stay positive - this is totally something that can be adjusted when he's little if you decide to go that route! Be happy its not something more serious or life changing for the little guy

ETA: Sorry didn't answer the other questions - no advice but hugs and support. I'm sure you will find the decision that is best for you. We decided against, but only after the Mat21 Plus gave us a very very small chance for defects - also considering our ages we were extremely low. For us the chance of something going wrong with the amnio was way higher than the chance for defect. Hope that helps.

c8lin2may · May 2014

Having extra toes is no big deal. One of my closest friends was born a polydactyly with 6 toes on each foot and six fingers on each hand. It's actually quite common. She had hers removed at birth and you could only tell if you looked really close and saw the scars. She just had a daughter recently but before he daughter was born her doctor informed her that her daughter had a 50% of being a polydactyly because she was. Her daughter isn't but she knew if she was it wouldn't be a big deal.

This is just me, but if your child also has extra fingers you should keep them so they can be awesome at guitar hero.

Edit to add:
I'm sorry about the stress of them finding other things that don't look right. I wish I had more advice to give. Thoughts and prayers your way.

Glas43 · May 2014

I have no real advice just wantes to extend my prayers and a hug! Im so sorry you are stressed out.

MrsSarahRenee · May 2014

Sorry it was such a rough a/s. Positive thoughts for you and your lo. I have no advice just wanted to send well wishes.

IrishHoney123 · May 2014

Awww, I'm sorry you're going through this. I work in recovery with children, and removal of extra digits is very common-you'll be surprised how many people will share this with you now, and you probably didn't ever know! I personally wouldn't do the amnio, but you have to do what's right for you.

Justabean3 · May 2014

I'm sorry. It couldn't be nothing.

The lady at my work'a first son was born with 4 toes on one foot and 5 on the other. It was the toe next to the big toe missing. They thought maybe he would have lower leg bone trouble since all of the meta tarsal is missing as well

He has had no issues walking or with his leg. They told her she most likely had caught a virus or something during piggie development.

So far he is normal and healthy.

I know it is hard to hear and see "damages" on your baby. At this point your job is to get them cooked as close to 40 weeks as you can and get then here safe. It is hard to wait and I know this from experience.

MrsL2B · May 2014

I'm sorry you keep having a rough ultrasounds. I would definitely ask your doctor about the option to do the noninvasive genetic testing before you get an amnio.

noellemari · May 2014

The amnio is going to be a personal decision.

My second has some mild hydronephrosis noted at my 36 week scan. They will do an ultrasound of the kidneys about 2 weeks after delivery to see how it looks. My DD's was very mild so we just waited and by three months old it was completely resolved. We will continue to see a pediatric urologist once a year with ultrasounds until she is potty trained. Then she's all good. If it isn't mild they can do testing to determine if it is caused by a blockage or back flow and sometimes the babies are put on antibiotics to prevent infections. Hope that helps! GL!

Mommy2Boys09 · May 2014

My sister in law was told her daughter had fluid in her kidneys as well. She had a lot of ultrasounds but my niece is just as perfect as can be! No info about the 6 toes, but I'd say they'll just remove the "extras".

bumpuser10309732 · May 2014

I'm sorry you're so stressed out. I think what everyone has said so far is great advice I just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you! I hope everything turns out ok

fireflyrebirth · May 2014

Sorry you had such a stressful scan! We're all thinking of you. As far as further testing, can you ask your doctor about a noninvasive test before/instead of an amnio?

Eastie156 · May 2014

I wanted to offer my support. I'm sorry you had such a rough day. Did the Dr. indicate why an amnio if there's no risk factor for Trisomy-21 (down syndrome) ?

melszum · May 2014

I would not worry about the extra toes. In my high school there was a family and all the kids were born with an extra finger on each hand. They were surgically removed after birth. It had no affect on them at all. Try not to stress.

ohioloveyou · May 2014

I'm sorry you had a scary day, and I know it's difficult, but try not to freak out. It seems like extra toes are no big deal, and it will be a personal decision weather or not to do further testing. Just think of it as more little baby toes to love on!

mandapear · May 2014

I have polydactyly- an extra pinky toe on my left foot. Never removed, and it does not bother me in the slightest. In fact, I was hoping one of my kids would get it, but DS doesn't have it and looks like neither does new LO. It runs in the family- uncle had an extra pinky toe that was removed and niece had extra fingers on each hand removed at a week old. I don't consider it a birth defect, and have throughout my life used it as my "fact" at get-to-know-yous.

That said, polydactyly is a soft marker for certain genetic conditions. It can be unassociated (as mine is) or can indicate a more systemic problem. I'd ask about options for further testing, including the fetal DNA blood tests like Harmony, etc, if you are worried about amino complications. I wouldn't worry about the extra digit, but would want more information about whether it represents something more concerning. And if not, feel free to send LO to me for some extra toe bonding. As I always say when getting a pedicure, buy 10 get 1 free.

golfingdarwinfish · May 2014

I'm sorry you had such a rough scan. I agree with others about the extra digit; it can <likely be> easily be removed post delivery when LO is ready for the surgery. It may end up just being a blip on your radar.

Regarding the amnio, I would ask your MFM if s/he is merely trying to r/o the most common trisomies (13, 18, 21) or if he s/he actually wants to see the entire chromosome array which would would require a karyotype via amnio. An amnio will also look at more than just fetal chromosomes, which people often forget. If they only want to r/o the most common trisomies I would inquire about doing a cell free fetal DNA test. The only issue is that it would likely have to be rushed in case you also want to do an amnio post receiving those results.

While I can't give advice on your personal case, I'm happy to discuss anything genetics or testing related (I'm a molecular geneticist by education) in a PM.

Hope you're feeling a bit better

Saragoeswest · May 2014

Sorry you had a rough scan. From the sounds of it, extra toes are nothing to worry about.

megsandjohn · May 2014

I'm sorry you had this surprising news. I know it can be very upsetting.

During my first pregnancy I found out my son didn't have a left hand and his left arm was amputated just below the elbow. I was devastated! But he has met every milestone and it doesn't hold him back at all. I don't even think if it as a birth defect or a disability. God just made him special and he has taught me a lot and really put things in perspective for me.

So extra toes? No big deal. It may look different but different is awesome! Ordinary is boring :P

And the extra toes can probably be removed. Not to minimize what you're going through because I know it is hard news to hear regardless. Feel free to message me at any time. Just focus on the positives and know that your baby is extra special!

vrj0522 · May 2014

I'm sorry you are having to worry. I know nothing about your questions but sounds like some people gave great advice. T&Ps for you and our LO.

[Deleted User] · May 2014

I don't have any advice but wanted to comment and leave you some support. Positive thoughts your way that you will know to make the best decisions for your family.

tacosandtums · May 2014

I was born with an extra toe... my aunt had an extra finger.. it apparently is genetic! I had mine removed when I was 9 months old. My mom always said "if that's the worst problem you end up having, it's not that bad". Hugs...

GretchenWeiners7 · May 2014

Sorry you had such a rough scan. I will be keeping you in my thoughts & prayers that it's nothing serious!

[Deleted User] · May 2014

I'm sorry you're so upset and I completely understand - I would be, too! But I do agree with the PP's... as upsetting as the extra toes may be, ultimately I don't think it will be a big deal. They are usually removed after birth and that's that. There are far worse birth defects than extra digits.

As far as the amnio, that's a personal decision. I don't plan to do it, because even if we received bad news from the results, it wouldn't change anything about this pregnancy. If you feel the same way about yours, it's probably an unnecessary added stressor to have the amnio done.

I hope you find some peace of mind and feel better soon. ((Hugs)) to you!

Pp21 · July 2014

Hi
My first daughter was born last year to my surprise and shock when she was born the midwife informed me oh she has an extra little finger and 6 toes on each foot. I was in a state of shock we had no idea what so ever. Infact the sonographer actually said she's got ten fingers and ten toes at my twenty week scan wich was wrong. So one plus for you you've got a heads up you no what to expect when lo is born. When your baby is born you will fall in love regardless of how many fingers or toes are there! I think it's better to have too many digits than not enough. They can be removed but they carnt be added on if one is missing somewhere. Don't no if you have had any extra tests to determine downs or anything else but my daughter is fine no other health problems and is developing perfectly. Everyone loves my dd to bits including me and my partner her extra bits make her extra extra special and are incredibly cute! We we're referred to a plastic surgeon consultant the day after she was born and got an appointment for when she was about 8 weeks old. She will be having an operation just after her first birthday to remove the finger and two toes. They said it will probably take three hours in total as they all have bone and nerves in. Even the her finger isn't functioning it sticks out on an angle her toes are fully functioning and totally in proportion with her feet. We we're going to leave her feet the way they are but we've decided to have them removed as we don't want her to feel like she's different as she's growing up. Sorry for the long winded reply just wanted to share my experience with you as I no how you must be feeling. Please dont worry your baby is going to be perfect

if take ten extra digits over some awfull illnesses that some poor little babies do have. So enjoy your pregnancy while it lasts you will miss it once lo is born!
Big hugs

and best of luck
X x x

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

It sounds like you've gotten some great answers here on both the kidney and the toe issue. I just wanted to jump in with support as well!

megaddie · July 2014

I had a boyfriend who had extra digits. They were removed soon after birth. I think they were fingers, not toes, though. The only reason anyone would know would be because he told everyone--he thought it was awesome. It's probably more common than we think. Hugs to you, I can understand how all this would be upsetting, but hopefully, it turns out to just be a funny little story your baby can tell (or not) later on.

caranichole · July 2014

For everyone responding to this, it's not even real! I read it from my phone and immediately thought it was odd because we are all pretty well past 20 weeks. I get on the computer and check the OPs history. Only 2 discussions and they are exactly the same discussion months apart.

@jalara48 - just tagging you in so you are aware.

caranichole · July 2014

beezbeez said:

Weird. Why would anyone do that?

Don't even know but I'd like to take note that this is a very clear example of how kind and supportive this board is. Yes, occasionally we desire a little intro when you're new to the board and want to show us your u/s pics but we are sensitive to sensitive topics around here and not at all a group of jerks.

lct2008 · July 2014

@caranichole‌ when's the other post from? Because this one is from may when everyone was around a/s time. This was just bumped from someone else.

Edit to add- found the one on second tri as well and it was from the same day in May as this was posted. So I would be careful jumping to conclusions that someone is lying because they haven't posted anything else.

caranichole · July 2014

lct2008 said:

@caranichole‌ when's the other post from? Because this one is from may when everyone was around a/s time. This was just bumped from someone else. Edit to add- found the one on second tri as well and it was from the same day in May as this was posted. So I would be careful jumping to conclusions that someone is lying because they haven't posted anything else.

I didn't realize it was old and had just been bumped. You are right on that note. All points made still relevant. It was odd to show up now. There were only two posts so that was a little strange. Nobody jumped on her case and asked for an intro - go team! Thanks for pointing that out though! I honestly just thought it was a new post.

lct2008 · July 2014

Oh yeah, I wasn't saying you jumped on her or anything @caranichole‌ I just remembered I had seen this a long time ago so I went and double checked. No harm. It's always weird when someone brings up an old thread. And I'm pretty sure the op never came back anyway. Oh well. She got lots of great advice/encouragement too.

Pp21 · July 2014

I actually joined the website so I could post a comment on this thread. I can completly understand what she must be going through so just wanted to share my knowledge with her.

Aarg · July 2014

Sorry you are having a rough time...
I don't really trust the ultrasounds... They are not very accurate.

At my 24week appointment it was a lot easier to see the "defects" My little one has.
My LO is missing the fibula in the left leg and is missing toes, but we won't know how many until baby is born.

Just remember: Your child will be perfect for you! No matter the extra toes!!

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6 toes on both feet at 20wk ultrasound! Freaking out!!!!!!

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