Information About Echogenicity in the Left Ventricle

Updated on May 23, 2008
T.G. asks from Houston, TX
6 answers

I am 36 years old and 21 weeks pregnant with our 1st baby. Because I am over the 35 mark, I have had the Ultra Screen test as well as other blood tests to check for Down Syndrome, Trisomy, etc. All of the results have come back excellent so my doctor did not recommend doing an amniocentisis. A few days ago, we had our 5 month sonogram and everything checked out beautifully except for an echogenicity in the left ventricle. My doctor does not seem to be concerned and still does not recommended an amnio due to the fact that the risks are greater for a miscarriage than they are with our baby having down. My husband and I have researched the internet and this issue seems to be fairly common with the results being normal, healthy babies. Obviously, we are still worried and will be until the baby is born. If there is anyone with any advice or information regarding this, I would be most grateful.

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J.H.

answers from Houston on

Where do you live? Who did the ultrasound? A regular OB or a perinatalogist (specialist with better machines and additional expertise)?

If you wanted to take a closer look, then I would request a referral to a pediatric cardiologist for a fetal echocardiogram. I work at Texas Children's in Houston. Here, Dr. Nancy Ayres is very highly regarded as an expert in this field. The perinatalogist that I saw here in Houston was Dr. Brian Kirshon. He is also excellent!

Let me know if you need additional information. I can send the phone numbers for these folks. If it would give you peace of mind, you could pursue either or both of these options.

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M.P.

answers from Houston on

I have to agree with Courtney and Jen on this one. I have 3 friends, wait 4 who have been through similar situations where their doctors told them they had a high risk of a down syndrom baby. 2 had amnio done and two worried and stressed about it their entire pregnancy. The two who had amnio done found out everything was fine, (one just this past week). The other two worried and stressed their entire pregnancy and did not get to enjoy the wonderful feelings of being pregnant. Guess what!? In the end, both of them also delivered healthy beautiful babies. We opted not to do any testing with our 3 kids because no matter what would have been determined, they are still a precious gift from God and nothing would change our mind to have them. Pray for a healthy baby and believe that God will be there for you and your wonderful baby. Chances are everthing is fine, they do have too many tests now a days that scare us when in all actuality, God is ALWAYS in Control. Hope I have helped.

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L.W.

answers from Houston on

I just turned 39 and my husband is 38 ( 39 in Oct) We just had our first child 4 and a half months ago. I was 38 and had 2 previous miscarriages before my little Morgan came to be. We have been together 14 years and married for 2 and a half, so we are similiar. I chose not to do any of the testing because after losing 2 babies, all I wanted was to stay pregnant. I was terrified the whole pregnancy something would go wrong, being 38 and all. Well my point is, everytime the doctors said not to worry, it turned out fine. They see so many women and so many issues, they really are your best guide to how the situation will turn out. Listen to your doctor, he wouldnt say dont worry if you should. Its their job to keep you informed and if something comes up you will deal with it together. Good Luck and God Bless.

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C.C.

answers from Austin on

If your doc isn't worried, I would try not to be either! Many things will correct themselves before birth. Many tests have false positives. I was in a similar situation with my last child. I was high risk for having a downs baby according to some blood test. My OB and I agreed that an amnio was not appropriate for me because of the risk. It came down to the fact that I would not take any action even if I did the amnio and confirmed that my child did have downs, so there was really no point in taking any risk. We monitored her a little more closely during the pregnancy, but she was born 100% normal and healthy! Try to relax and let God handle it as much as you can...easy to say, harder to do, I know!

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S.W.

answers from Houston on

Don't get an amnio. It is risky. Although the odds are low, it is not worth any risk. Either way you will be blessed with a beautiful new baby.

J.B.

answers from Houston on

Just relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy, it is such a wonderful time in life. It seems that this day in age we just get overloaded with information. The doctor told my my baby was really huge, he was born 7lbs 14oz. He hadn't turned at 36wks so they were suggesting c-section. He turned at 37wks. When he was born he had a hole in his heart and supposedly an irregular heart rythm. The next day no hole and no irregular rythm. With everything, we went straight to God and prayed, and He took care of everything. All is well and I know it will be for you too. Take care and congratulations on your baby you are in for such an awesome and special experience!!

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