| Name: Ann | Date: Mar 9th, 2006 10:01 PM |
I am having a schedualed c-section on June 9th so we are due at the same time!!
I freaked out about the down thing also - and being almost 34 I am getting toward the "older" mom group.
Keep in touch! ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 9th, 2006 10:09 PM |
| Ann...I am being induced on the 7th because my first baby was so big. 9 lbs!! I was 22 when he was born, and only gained 20 lbs in the pregnancy, so I guess it was all baby. I am 25 now. So has your doctor said your risk of downs has increased because of this? ↑ |
| Name: Rita | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 10:53 AM |
| KND - i had your 2 same markers, and I had my baby boy in December, and he's absolutely fine. His kidney didn't resolve itself by his birth, so we're following up with a pediatric urologist and he's on antiobiotics. His urologist is doubtful he'll need surgery, but we'll continue to follow up. He's happy and healthy and doing fantastic. I was really scared about downs, and was told we had a 1/50 chance based on those markers (I didn't have bloodwork done). Looking back, those numbers seem WAY off compared to other moms I've heard from with those markers. I combed the internet and found so many success stories of women with multiple markers whose babies came out fine. Try not to worry and try not to let it ruin your pregnancy. I know it's hard. I have a real problem with this whole issue of soft markers because I think they're needlessly scaring parents and the research behind them was faulty to begin with. Don't even get me started on this topic!! ↑ |
| Name: Kristin | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 11:31 AM |
| Rita-thanks for telling me that! It is such a relief to here stories like yours. I agree with you about "Down syndrome markers" I think all they do is scare moms and dads, and most of the time everything is fine. I am happy for your new baby. Isnt it odd that there are so many moms that have boys with these 2 markers? Maybe the markers are related to eachother in other ways besides down syndrome. Thanks again! ↑ |
| Name: Stephanie | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 11:39 AM |
Kristin-
Did you go in for a Level II Ultrasound to confirm the two markers? I had exactly the same markers that you have and they were eliminated with a second ultrasound. The bright spot on the heart turned out to be a valve. But even if the markers are confirmed, I agree with the others on this list that the odds of any abnormalities is quite low. ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 12:28 PM |
| I go in a couple weeks for level 2 ultrasound, im really nervous though. Part of me doesnt even want to go ya know? I would hate for things to be worse. hopefully thats not the case though! Hopefully my case is like yours and the white thing on the heart goes away. I really hope his little kidneys look ok too ↑ |
| Name: Melissa | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 2:35 PM |
Hi again,
I was very fortunate and blessed to get in the following day due to a cancellation. Very good news..the cysts were not there (which the doctor sort of questioned the first screening's validity on the measurements of the fluid) the brighter bowel was not seen and probably due to the color of grain the first u/s showed and lastly, but not least the kidneys look good except for a little bit of urine being sort of backed up..but very common amongst male babies. She said that I was too low risk to even come back and I didn't need another follow up u/s. She did add that she noticed the pinkies were curved (so are my pinkies and my daughters) and the genetics counselor said that this is also a family inherited trait. Even though, the doctor had to add it increases risk of downs. So, with all of that said, I feel much better but will still worry until the due date of August 5. Anyone else heard of the curved pinkies called cenodictyly (sp?)?
Thinking and praying for all of us moms ↑ |
| Name: Jessica | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 2:57 PM |
| Hi Everyone, I'm new to this site but already feel relieved after reading everything all of you have written. It's nice to know other people are feeling the same way and have the same questions & concerns out there! I'm 30 years old and back in Dec. at my 20 week ultrasound, the technician found a dilation of 5.4 mm in one of our baby boy's kidneys and my OB-GYN recommended we do the level II u/s to double-check and see if there were any other soft markers for Downs. As soon as she said that, I freaked out, I was so worried and anxious and was able to get the level II u/s scheduled for the next day. At that appt. the kidney's fluid level had resolved itself to under 3mm and they didn't find any other soft markers. We were so relieved. We scheduled another level II for 33 weeks just to check it again (given my medical history - which I'll explain in a minute...) This was yesterday and the left kidney dilation came back... it's now at 8mm. They didn't see anything else but I felt so depressed since back in Dec. I felt we were in the clear and now my worries are back. I'm also skeptical about the accuracy of these things, they are obviously very dynamic and depending on when you have your u/s, the fluid levels can change significantly ,as in my case. Ironically, I have a medical history of kidney problems, I actually had a blockage in my own kidney which was fixed with surgery 7 years ago. It was a condition that we discovered when I was 19 years old and my Urologist said it was a genetic thing that I'd probably had all of my life but it wasn't until I started to have pain in my lower back and kidney infections that we looked into it. I'm wondering if I had Pyelectasis in my mother's womb... of course back then, they didn't even do ultrasounds or look for things like that. I'm grateful for medical advancements but it seens a double-edged sword as the more info out there, the more we all have to worry about. I did have the AFP screening back in the fall which came back very good, meaning very low odds of downs syndrome, 1 in 7400. We are going to do another level II in 4 weeks and I'm just praying that everything is okay. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 3:06 PM |
| Melissa, I am very happy that things are lokking better for you. I wouldnt even worry about the pinky thing. If you and your daughter have it, it is obviously genetic, and I personally wouldnt even consider it being a sign of down syndrome. my baby has a little fluid in his kidneys, and he is also a boy. Im sure no matter what all us moms will worry until we hold a healthy baby. Even if no problems are found in the ultrasound, its still so scary to think anything bad could happen. Anyway glad you are feeling a little more relieved! ↑ |
| Name: Laura | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 7:47 PM |
| I have just had my 2nd of second trimester ultrasound and it indicates that there is a spot on the babies heart. People have told me this indicates a possibility of Downs Syndrome. My doctor says it is nothing to worry about. I would like to know if the doctor is only trying to protect me? I am only 21 years old, could I have a downs syndrome baby? ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 8:59 PM |
| Laura, my baby has the same spot on his heart...it is called a echogenic intracardiac focus. He told me that it is a spot of calcium, and if that is the only thing found in an ultrasound, the risk of down syndrome is very low. My baby also has some fluid in the kidneys, wich made me real nervous so I went and took a triple screen and the results came back fine. If I were you I would not worry. The spot is harmless and wont affect your baby at all. It doesnt cause heart problems or anything. Again, this is all what my doctor told me......so if you hear differntly you can always do more research. But in most of the reading I have done my doc sounds like he knows what he is talking about. :) ↑ |
| Name: Melissa | Date: Mar 10th, 2006 10:02 PM |
Jessica:
I know you are going to worry now matter anyone says, but because your tests are low and there was nothing else found, this is pretty normal, especially in boys. I would ask the genetic counselor if this could be a genetic thing and if it isn't then chances are that it is just something with the kidneys and after reading about it, it sounds pretty correctable or it doesn't affect baby at all after birth. However, I had a great results from the triple screen and I still will worry..it is just what us moms do best.
Praying for comfort for you ↑ |
| Name: Jessica | Date: Mar 11th, 2006 7:18 PM |
| Melissa, Thanks for your response and I know, the hardest thing is waiting and worrying, we're in the same boat there. I'm just trying to focus on all the positives and enjoy this precious time of being pregnant. I would think if both you and your daughter have the curved pinkies, then it's more than normal for your baby boy to have them as well. Thank you for your prayers and you and all us Moms to be are in my thoughts & prayers. ↑ |
| Name: Jane M | Date: Mar 12th, 2006 3:39 PM |
Melissa-
I am 30 weeks and my baby girl has levels of 5.6 and 7 mm in her kidneys.When I had my ultrasound about a month ago , I asked them to look for any soft signs for Down Syndrome. The one thing the girl told me was that 2 bones in the pinky instead of 3 can be a soft sign. I had never heard this before. My baby shows no other soft signs (except the kidneys) and I will be concerned until she is born-even though everything sounds good. ↑ |
| Name: Melissa | Date: Mar 13th, 2006 6:00 PM |
Jane-
Do you mean that the curved pinky without the lack of a 3rd bone isn't a big deal?? Or is it the same thing? ↑ |
| Name: kate | Date: Mar 13th, 2006 10:14 PM |
| Hi, I am now 23weeks pregnant & had my u/s 03/09/06. I was told that my baby girl's right kidney was dilated 5.7mm & this is a soft sign of Down syndrome. The doctor offered the amnios & I agreed right away, because I think it is very important to know up front as much as possible about your baby, no matter what your dicision would be. So, doctor performed amnio on the same date & results will be known in 2-3weeks, but today I recieved the result of FISH test, which was a part of amnio, and the baby is negative for Down syndrome. THANKS GOD!!! ↑ |
| Name: Linda D | Date: Mar 13th, 2006 10:32 PM |
Hi Kate, What is a FISH test? is that part of an amnio?
As I posted above I am having a girl as well. They found both her kidneys at 6mm. I did not have an amnio (they scare me to death) ;0) And the doctor said if I didn't pla on terminating don't bother with the stress. Well this I have come to find out is enough stress. Are you older than 35? Please let us know your results when you get them. I am 30 weeks and go in again for another US in 2-3 weeks. I hope it has just resolved itself by then! Good luck with everything... keep us posted! :0) ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 13th, 2006 11:18 PM |
| Linda and Kate...did either of you take the triple screen blood test? ↑ |
| Name: Jane M | Date: Mar 14th, 2006 12:00 PM |
Melissa-
My ultrasound tech did not mention a curved pinky at all. She just said that some Down Syndrome babies only have 2 bones in their pinky instead of three. The pinky is just one of many markers for Downs. My U/S tech went over about 10 areas that are known markers for downs. It seems to me that a few markers would need to turn up before the doctors are too concerned but I would talk with your doctor. I found out at 20 weeks about my little girls kidneys and I was fine when I left the doctors office. They never mentioned Downs syndrome. BUT...when I got home and went on the internet I started to get very upset. At that point I went right back in to talk to the doctor again. He was very nice to me and offered me the amnio.I declined. My AFP came back negative and I feel better after talking to the doctor again. I go today for another ultrasound. I am 30 weeks.
Goodluck!! ↑ |
| Name: Jane M | Date: Mar 14th, 2006 9:00 PM |
| I had my third ultrasound today at 30 weeks. I wanted to let everyone know that my little girls kidneys look really good. Last time they were at 5.6mm and 7mm. And this time they had very little fluid. I might not even need another ultrasound to check on them!!YEAH!!It has been so helpful to read the comments on this site! ↑ |
| Name: Melissa | Date: Mar 14th, 2006 9:41 PM |
Hi-
Has anyone had good results from an ultrasound specialist and had another opinion?? I am just really having a hard time accepting the fact that things are probably fine..The pinky thing really is bothering me because the doctor just sort of left it at this could increase the risk of Down Syndrome and no follow up on the kidneys even though there is a bit of blockage of urine. What would everyone else do? ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 14th, 2006 10:50 PM |
| Melissa-you seem pretty worried. I think it would put you at ease to get a second opinion or ask more questions at your next appt. Everything is probablly fine...in all my reading and looking on the internet, I havent heard anything about this pinky thing. Did you get a triple screen blood test? I am 28 weeks and my baby has pyelectasis and a white spot on the heart. After I took the triple screen it put my odds at 1/1000 of having a downs baby and my doctor said everything was fine but I still worry so much, I feel like it is ruining my pregnancy. I am such a worry wart anyway and when it comes to your baby, its so scary. BUt there is nothing wrong with asking your doctor questions and telling him your concerns, that is what he is there for. :) ↑ |
| Name: Melissa | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 8:34 AM |
Kristin,
I did have the triple screen and it came back very good. The pinky thing is called Clinodactyly and is seen in over half of children with Down Syndrome, except that it can also be a genetic thing. I just don't want the doctors to think I am going overboard worrying..I too am a worry wart. I just think that they see so much of this that they don't worry about it and then think we need not worry about it. I also am wondering why they wouldn't want to look at the kidneys again.
Thanks,
Melissa ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 10:00 AM |
| Melissa, I would think your doctor would be used to moms worrying. Thats what we do! Thats good that your triple screen came back good. I would ask him to schedule another ultrasound to follow up on the kidneys. Did he tell you your odds of having a downs baby? Isnt the triple screen fairly accurate? ↑ |
| Name: Stephanie | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 11:11 AM |
My advice to anyone who worries what their doctor tells them is to have a second opinion and another ultrasound. Oftentimes this ultrasound is done by a fetal specialist, a perinatologist, who sees all sorts of things on a daily basis, as this is all they do. A genetic counselor is usually available to help put all of the findings in perspective. I spent two weeks with complete anxiety and bouts of crying before I had an appointment with these specialists and I have to say that I was very impressed and very relieved. I still worry a bit, but no more than anyone else who is expecting. My perinatologist told me that they catch nearly 70% of all Down's with the bloodwork these days. Still, he said, nearly a third of all Down's kids give no indication in the womb, by blood work, or ultrasound, that there is anything wrong. So everyone is at some sort of risk, whether anything came up on the ultrasound or not. I would think that if your bloodwork shows a low risk that most likely you are fine. You can discuss the option of having a definitive test, the amnio, with the perinatologist, but remember that the test is invasive and poses a risk to the fetus. It's so hard to know what to do. I grappled with having the amnio and knowing without a doubt that my kid did or did not have a chromosomal abnormality, but ultimately I declined thinking that I couldn't bear to cause any harm (even if it is only one in 200 that things can go wrong) to my baby even if he does have Down's. We would plan on carrying out the pregnancy regardless of the results, so it would be just to know what we are dealing with, and that knowledge, to me isn't worth the risk. Of course this is only my perspective, and I know that some of you would feel differently. I think the best thing to do is to get all the info from the specialists in the field and make solid, educated decisions about what you want to do.
I'm thinking of all of you and can't wait to meet my little boy in May. ↑ |
| Name: kate | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 11:17 AM |
Hi Linda, I am 32y/o & this is my second pregnancy. As I mentioned before I did amnio test 3/09/06, which part of it was the FISH test-they took the part of amnio fluids & processed @ the LAB specifically for Down syndrome, results were ready in 72hours. In my case the timing was very important because I am close to 24weeks. The rest of the amnio will be done within next 2-3weeks for all other genetic disorders, but the possibility of Down syndrome scared me the most, because of the frequency of occurrence.
Linda, I think because you are 30weeks, there is no reason for you to go for invasive procedure, like amnio, especially because there was no other signs of Down syndrome, wait till you have your baby girl, I am sure she is going to be healthy little bungle of joy. Keep me posted, how things going, good luck! ↑ |
| Name: rena | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 11:50 AM |
| My baby has pyelectasis. Why is pyelectasis a sign of down syndrome? Do more down syndrome babies have it? In all of my readings I cant find the anwser to this question. Help!! If I took a triple blood test and it came back all good, things should probablly be ok right? THats what my doctor is telling me but im still scared! help help help!! ↑ |
| Name: Dee | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 4:36 PM |
| Hi, I am 21 wks. and 35 yrs. I had a level II u/s a few days ago. I had an abnormal triple screen for DS. This is going to be my last baby and I thought I would enjoy this time . NOT even close. I have been so stressed out. Well anyway I was given odds of 1:201 for the abnormal triple screen , then we had the level ll u/s they said kidneys were a little larger than normal not by much(no numbers given) but it was still a soft marker for downs my odds are now 1:90.I declined the amino. So we have an another appt. in a month .DR. said everything else looks fine and this problem is kind of normal in pregnancies mostly male fetues,and most of the time it can go away by the third trimester.So now what are we supose to think???? I guess we have to just wait .I was also wonddering if any one else had anything like this happen to them? Thanks ↑ |
| Name: Sheila | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 5:39 PM |
| I would recommend that anyone going through this issue should have the amnio just to maintain sanity. The amnio is a very simple procedure and the results are provided within 2 weeks. At that point you have an opportunity to discontinue to pregnancy and if you decide not to will know what to expect when the child is born. If the news is positive, no Down's, then you will have a worry free pregnancy!!! ↑ |
| Name: Melissa | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 6:31 PM |
| Just wondering how long it takes to get the ultrasound report from the level II? Have most you requested a copy of this? ↑ |
| Name: kristin | Date: Mar 15th, 2006 8:29 PM |
| Stephanie-I think you said a lot of really important things. If I am talking to the same person....both our babies have the same markers. I believe one of your markers went away...but anyway, my baby has mild pyelectasis and a white spot on the heart. I took the triple screen and everything came back normal, giving me a 1 in 1000 chance of having a downs baby. I am still worried sick. I still havent gotten a second ultrasound...I have an appointment next week and my doctor will schedule one for me. I am 28 weeks and not due till June, and I cannot calm down about this. I look on the internet all the time, trying to learn new things. This is just ruining my pregnancy and it makes me so sad that I feel this way. My blood work came back good...I am thankful for that, And my doctor tells me things look fine, but I am so scared. I would love to hear from you, and learn more about your pregnancy and what your doctor tells you. My email add. is kristin0769@hotmail.com if you could keep me posted on anything you learn or anything you can tell me to put ease on me, I would appreciate it so much. At this point I think I am going to stop looking things up on the internet. I just get more scared. Thankyou so much :) ↑ |
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