Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss
mamadeep
member
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how early can they tell?
mamadeep
member
I'm pregnant with my first baby and I'm 40. I kept pushing for testing because of my age but I feel like everyone was really casual about it. Now I'm 20 weeks so first test was 1/312 chance of DS had two ultra sounds done for that and was told everything was normal. Those ultra sounds were done at about 15weeks. I had 2 failed NIPT after also with two more ultra sounds. So yesterday I went in for an amino and when the doctor started the ultrasound she told us there might be a problem. After about 10mins of looking she delivered the bad news. The baby has multiple deformities. There are no leg bones. Arm bones are stunted and the hands are deformed. The lower jaw is almost non existent and worst of all the heart and other major organs are deformed. They would require surgery if the child survives however the diagnosis is bleak and the doctors feel that the baby won't make it to third term. So because I also have a kidney disease that could not be treated until after the baby arrived we have decided to terminate the pregnancy. My husband and I are devastated. Lots of crying and rushed decisions over Xmas holidays is not a great feeling. However I'm left wondering about the other ultrasounds. Why was I told they were normal? I feel like someone (or many doctors) didn't do their job! These are some pretty major deformities so how were they missed? Is this malpractice? Should I speak with a lawyer? Remember that the doctor who spotted them wasn't actually looking for them she was just doing the ultrasound because they were about to insert the amino needle. Any advice or experience would be appreciated. I apologize if I'm in the wrong forum but this is a pregnancy loss so I didn't know where else to speak of it.
Re: how early can they tell?
What I can tell you as a person who's had 20 pregnancies with 15 ending in losses, I have had extensive screening of all kinds in a variety situations, what you are describing is not malpractice.
I'm assuming they will test your baby when all is said and done (again, I'm so, so sorry), but with your timeframes, I'm not surprised at the results. Generally the first trimester ultrasound has to be done around thirteen weeks or a little before, because it has a bit of a narrow window; they have to measure a tiny bit of fluid in a small location (back of the neck) and at 15 weeks, baby is too big to get that accurately. This last pregnancy for me, LO was too big at 14w2d.
So, between the NIPT and ultrasound, what can be observed has less information than an amino. Specifically, it can screen for certain chromosomal and trisomy disorders, but not all, and it can't screen for things that are neural tube defects (spina bifida, etc) or most inherited issues (cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, etc). Amnios can detect those and other issues with much better accuracy.
The difference in size between a 15 week baby and 20 week baby is substantial, and I think it's likely that the defects just couldn't be seen yet.
I don't envy your position and I wish for you love and healing.