So we had our ultrasound today. Everything looked good except that there was a cyst in the baby's brain. Doctor said it's not life threatening but could be an indicator of down syndrome. We have to have a more high tech ultrasound next week and meet with a high risk specialist. Any experiences with this? I don't like the not knowing. I kinda just wish I knew one way or the other. I am very grateful that it's not life threatening however.
Re: brain cyst
This was one of the most stressful times of my life. So I understand how you feel. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer from my experience. Prayers for you!
Count me in for multiple cysts on my son's brain. Freaked out at first, but then talked to a medical friend and feel much better.
The most recent medical knowledge is that brains develop in folds; some folds are not present yet at the time of many second tri ultrasounds. Therefore the physical gap reserved for not-yet-developed brain folds is filled with cerebral spinal fluid. Calling it a cyst on the brain is such a horrible way of describing what is essentially a normal stage of brain development. Yes, the loose correlation is there, but when discovered on its own without the other soft markers (echogenic bowel, low set ears, underdeveloped jaw, single artery umbilical cord, enlarged ventricles, clenched fists, etc) it is not of any interest whatsoever.
The reason that choroid plexus cysts are found so regularly now is a product of the increased use of advanced imaging. When I searched "choroid plexus cyst" on The Bump, there was a link to a very helpful article penned by a US doctor about his frustration with imaging that reveals choroid plexus cysts because they aren't of any use to him (in the absence of the other markers and especially in mothers under the age of 35), and yet he is forced to mention them to a mother and thereby cause needless worry. I am sorry I don't have the link handy now as I would love to share. It was extremely reassuring.