Had my 20 week ultrasound today. After being happy just to see a live, active baby the MFM doc told me the heart didn't look good. My primary OB doesn't have ultrasound in the office so I went to the hospital they referred me to.
He told me the artery and vein from the heart looked like it might be a single vessel. That along with the baby measuring 2 weeks smaller than gestational age makes him think there is a chromosomal abnormality. As the pregnancy was dated with a very early ultrasound it's unlikely that the due date is off.
We will be seeing a pediatric cardiologist on Tuesday who can say how bad the defect may be, if there truly is a major problem or if the development is abnormal. I am not sure, I can barely remember what the coordinating nurse was telling me.
After that we will decide if we want an amnio or to do the panorama genetic test. I wish that it (genetic screening) was covered for everyone, then I would have done this earlier and would know already what the problem was (if there is a problem). As it is the nurse told me that my insurance won't cover it, but the company would discount it dramatically for me (from her talking to reps).
The best outcome is that my earlier bleeding issues is why the baby is small and that the heart defect is actually a developmental abnormality that only looked like a defect(I think the doc mentioned this, but maybe my mind is making this up so I don't go crazy). Or that the heart defect is an isolated problem, not related to chromosomes or genes. I just wish I knew more, I can't stand not knowing what the problem is. Also I am scared and I can't stop crying when I think about it.
I am sorry that you are going through this. Hopefully you will hear some results on Tuesday that may put your mind to ease a little bit. Our 20 week scan is Monday, where we too are hoping to find out the sex of the baby, but more importantly we want to see and hear a healthy baby on the screen and through what our doctors say about what they are seeing and hearing. Praying for you, that everything turns out well for your baby and you!
I'm sorry to hear that your doctor found some concerning things during your a/s. No matter what the fact of your child's condition, please pursue more than one opinion about it. You and your baby deserve the best care and the best chance.
I am so sorry to hear this. I hope that the pediatric cardiologist will be able to tell you more about your LO's heart condition and help you understand so that you can decide the best course of action from there. Best wishes for you and your little one.
I'm so sorry that you are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you and your baby. I hope this Tuesday comes quickly, and that the pediatric cardiologist will be able to give you some more definite information. I know that not knowing is very difficult. Best wishes to you.
I wish I had some words of wisdom or advice to offer you. I pray you have the best possible outcome and that you are able to get answers soon. I hope you are able to find some positive distractions while you wait and have some support around you!
Thanks for the support ladies. I do have my 4 year old to keep me occupied. I was just too tired from crying to play with him today, hubby took him to the playground for a while this evening. I think the shock has worn off. Hopefully I can get back to taking care of him with more energy and not get lost in all these emotions.
I'm sorry that you aren't able to have the answers right away. I will keep you in my thoughts while you wait for more results. I'm glad your son will be able to keep you occupied and positive.
I am sorry to hear you are in the unknowing after your scan. I am glad to hear you could get an appt so quickly to see a cardiologist though I am sure it feels like an eternity at the moment. I had my a/s this week and I am in the same boat re: heart looking iffy. Hardest part was my MFM wouldn't elaborate and I am pretty sure something is there bc of what is going on w/thebaby. Take care of yourself and I hope the next few days are as smooth as they can be for you. Sending thoughts of peace and ease your way.
I'm so sorry to hear that. It really is so frightening to learn that something's wrong and have to wait to find out more. The advancements they're making in neonatal cardiology these days are really amazing though - more and more defects are fixable. I will focus positive thoughts on a healthy outcome for you and your family, and in the meantime I hope you can find some peace as you wait for your appointment.
@skfg sorry you are going through this uncertainty as well. Do you have a followup scheduled with a specialist? I know I am lucky to be able to get in so quickly. They offered an amnio today, but I wanted to do research on risks and such. I am blessed to have access to wonderful health care. I do have good coverage for insurance as well (other than dragging their feet about genetic testing), so I am blessed in many ways that reduce my stress.
I'm so sorry you are having such a stressful time. Try to keep positive even though it's hard...I know it doesn't always turn out perfect but I have a few friends that have had scares during their ultrasound and it has all turned out okay once they do more tests/get more info. In the meantime you'll be in my thoughts and prayers
I'm so sorry you are going through this and hope you get answers soon. I will have you and LO in mind during these toughs times. Please keep us updated while you can.
@mvhyde - Thanks - yes, I have an appointment with Children's Nat'l Med Cntr in mid-September for a fetal echo and to meet with the head of the Down syndrome clinic there. I could have gotten in earlier for the fetal echo, but wanted to do both together to get as many answers as possible. So while the wait isn't fun, it will be refreshing to get some answers and more of a complete picture than the isolated bits and pieces we've been receiving for the last 6 weeks. I agree and feel so fortunate to have good coverage and access to great providers.
I think you are smart to do the fetal echo first as that is less invasive and if you decide to do the amnio you go in with some information about baby. Please keep us updated and feel free to pm me anytime.
@mvhyde - after reading this post, yes, you and I are on a very similar page. Last week was absolute hell for me. Thankfully after my troubling anatomy scan I was able to see the pediatric cardiac specialist the next morning from Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. Initially the specialist I saw on Wednesday (to rule out Spina Bifida) thought that my baby had AVSD. She told me she hoped that she was wrong. Thank God she WAS wrong because the pediatric cardio specialist told me that my baby had a "small left heart"... No "diagnosis" yet, but still scary. I have opted for the amnio because the baby is measuring small and he has echogenic bowels... They want to rule it chromosome abnormalities. I am having the amnio done tomorrow and I am terrified, but I trust these specialists and at this point there is NO GOOD in not knowing in my opinion. All of my initial screens came back perfectly (with the exception of elevated Spina Bifida which was NOT present at his anatomy scan) and so risk of chromosome abnormalities is unlikely but because of heart issues this must me checked out. I understand that there is a risk with the amnio but stress is also harmful for baby and I have never been so stressed out in my life. Ever. At least if I know if there is anything wrong I can prepare myself accordingly. I hope for good and results and that your little one is healthy .
I'm sorry both of you are going through this and hope for the best for you. @andreachristine81 good luck tomorrow. If you're scared about the procedure hurting the baby, try not to worry too much. Amnio are so so much safer than they used to be because ultrasound technology has improved so much. Fetal injury almost never happens anymore because the doctor can see what he's doing so clearly. I don't know if that's what you meant when you said you're terrified (I know you have a lot to worry about) but in case it was and you haven't had time with everything going on to look into it I wanted to share that.
Thank you for those kind words... I am terrified of everything that could be wrong and also terrified of anyone hurting my baby . I sincerely hope that at this time next week I will be in a better place emotionally and have some answers...
Please keep us posted. On the good side love, the doctors sound wonderful and very informative. Try not to stress and rest for you both. I am wishing you and baby the best.
I am so terribly sorry that you and your husband have to deal with the stress of waiting. It sounds like you are working through this together- which I imagine is a huge blessing. As much as I want to say something to try to make you feel better- I don't want to minimize what is a very real worry. So I will promise this- you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and I do have confidence that you can find the strength and peace to handle what may come.
Sending positive thoughts! My husband had a nephew born 18 years ago with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. I have had to have a fetal echo when pregnant with my 1st daughter and now with my 2nd due to this as it's known to run in families although it's a rare condition. On top of it all--the tech couldn't get any good pictures of my baby's heart at the anatomy scan as she wouldn't stop moving so the appointment with the pediatric cardiologist suddenly became more stressful.
Needless to say I saw the doctor today--all 4 chambers are there, the vessels and valves look good, and the heart is measuring normal. Have faith--they will be able to give you the answers you need!! Hoping it all turns out well for you and your baby.
Re: Troubling a/s scan result
Best wishes for you and your little one.
Can you get the amino drawn before your fetal echo so you have the results by then?
I think you are smart to do the fetal echo first as that is less invasive and if you decide to do the amnio you go in with some information about baby. Please keep us updated and feel free to pm me anytime.
out in my life. Ever. At least if I know if there is anything wrong I can prepare myself accordingly. I hope for good and results and that your little one is healthy .
Low progesterone
Baby boy born 01/2016
Currently: NTNP
DD - January 2016
Needless to say I saw the doctor today--all 4 chambers are there, the vessels and valves look good, and the heart is measuring normal. Have faith--they will be able to give you the answers you need!! Hoping it all turns out well for you and your baby.