Scary Ultrasound Results

I agree with the previous posts; when I was pregnant with my son, my OB/GYN detected extra blips in his heartbeat, an arrhythmia. I think the worry was the hardest part out of all of that. I immediately went home and researched this condition on the internet. This is a great thing to do, it helps to be prepared in case you do in fact have to deal with some issues after birth. I went to see a perinatologist, thankfully, the arrhythmia, although present, was determined to heal itself and I went on to have a happy and healthy baby. Just don't stress! You don't know what the results are yet! Good luck with the MRI! ::hugs::

Hi J.! My gosh, that's scary news...but it's not certain, and although you're worrying about it now, you might have nothing to worry about in the long run. I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this right now, I can't imagine wondering if something was wrong with the baby in my tummy...everyone wants a happy/healthy baby, but everyone is right, you never know until it's born, and worrying isn't going to make it better. All I can say is that we're here for you, whatever the outcome!

J.,

Keep in mind that an ultrasound is a useful tool but it isn't the end all, be all of diagnosis. I've had 2 very high risk pregnancies and 2 miscarriages and even my perinatologist told me during my first successful pregnancy (my son was showing some of the markers for downs syndrome - he does not have downs and he's 3 now - but he is autistic so who knows?) that there is more that you can't see than that you can see. You never know what you are going to get until the baby arrives.

Sitting through a pregnancy waiting to see if your child has downs (or anything really) is very stressful but for me, my attitude about it really helped. I decided I would be positive and I would love my son regardless and there would be no abortion - once I made that decision I felt strangely peaceful about it. Still worried, but more at peace with whatever was to come. As the mom of an autistic son I have to tell you that you do really love them fiercely no matter what. But it is hard to look around at other people with "normal" children and "normal" lives and not be sad at times. You go through anger, sadness, grief, all sorts of emotions. It is a tough thing no matter how you add it up. So I guess I don't have any big advice other than to hang in there. If you ever need someone to chat with, I'd be happy to listen.

T.

J.
I am so sorry to hear about the stress you are incurring during your pregnancy. I have gone through something like this now twice, with my first daughter when she was six months they notice she had groves on her skull and thought her skull bones had grown together prematurely. It wasn't until the day of surgery(they were going to operate on her head to seperate the skull bones) that they did an MRI to find out that nothing was indeed wrong with her. My third pregnancy I had a test come back positive for spina bifida and by the time I got to the perinatologist the babys heart had stopped. Through all of this the thing I have learned is you never know how strong you are until you have to be. There truely is nothing you can do at this point but worry and you feel as a mom you have to worry,but it honestly gets you no where. Definately go online find out everything it is you can about this and take someone with you. When I lost my third pregnancy if it hadnt been for my friend that had gone with me, I probably would have walked home forgot my car, my name and probably where I lived. But honestly you have to relax. Good luck. If you need a shoulder or an ear.

M.

I just wanted to let you know that my prayers are with you and your family. Hope all goes well!

Hi J.,

I've only had one child and there were no complications, but I wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way. As for what I think you should do: stay positive as worry and stress won't do you or the baby any good and take care of yourself - take your vitamins, eat right, get all your fluids, and try to stay busy so you don't have time to worry as much. All the best to you!

I agree with Domoni. As hard as it may be, you need to try not to worry too much. I've had more scares this pregnancies than every woman I know combined. A couple of them were life threatening to the baby. Most of my scares resolved themselves and the issues that remained were minor. Be sure to have someone go with you to all your appointments & have them write down what your Dr. tells you. It's also a good idea to bring a written list of your concerns to each appointment.

Sending positive thoughts & prayers your way. {{{hugs}}}

~M.

I am so sorry to hear this. All I can say is try to stay calm for the baby. Either way you will love him because he is your son, so just hope for the best. I dont have any expierience in this, but if you need to talk you can write me anytime, I will respond ASAP.

J.,
I don't know who your parentologist is, but mine was Dr. Katz at sacred heart. HE IS AWSOME... My son also had that issue with the brain and his femer bone in his leg wasn't growing. They told us this after we heard his heartbeat and found out he was a boy. Dr. Katz told us he had to offer a termanation of the pregnancy by law since it looked like my son would have down syndrome. We refused a abortion.. No matter what he was going to be my son and I was going to be a PROUD new mommy down or not. I must tell you my son is now 2. He says 5 wors sentances. He knows his color, shapes and can count to 13. He is almost potty trained. My son dosen't have down syndrome and his brain is great. Good luck with your baby and always remember that our children are a part of us no matter what. Good luck & god bless you pregnancy...
~N.

My advice to you is in two parts. First, ignore it. For right now you don't know anything. You need more tests is all that is for sure. The results don't need your worry until they are finalized. I know this sounds callous but I had a lot of trouble with both of my pregnancies and the worry of what may happen made it much worse. Stress will make you feel worse and can cause complications so for now do all you can to keep your mind off of it until the results are in. Part two, when you get the results, learn all you can. ask your doctors for any information they can provide and hit the library and internet to learn what you can do. Take it all with a grain of salt though. I was told alot of things were possible with my pregnancies and both of my children were fine. They came a few weeks early but have been grown to be healthy boys.
Find all the support you can in friends and family and enlist there help in keeping you busy and letting you cry or scream or laugh or be quiet. whatever you need to get through. You have my prayers.
Good luck.

J.,

My daughter just had a similar experience. We just got called yesterday to tell us that our unborn baby (it is her first child and my first grandchild) has fluid on the brain. She has a perfectly healthy body, and is very active. All other tests were good.
Although we were scared and upset initially, what we decided to do was get all of the "medical" terms for the condition that the baby has, and had the doctor spell them for us (as with most medical words, this term was long and impossible to say much less spell) We then researched the condition on line and read as much as we possibly could.
We have also been praying alot. I believe in prayer, I have seen many miracles in my life. We could have a perfectly healthy baby, the condition may correct itself.
We could have a baby with severe retardation. That is the reality. I believe that knowledge is power and we need to educate ourselves about the conditions as much as possible.
We know that she is healthy, so we are grateful for that.
She may have Down Syndrome or some form of learning disabilities. We are going to prepare ourselves for the worst outcome and then rejoice if she has no problems. You have to remember that even with all of the doctors and science that we have today, nothing and no one knows for sure what is going to happen with your baby, only God. My suggestion would be to pray for strength and peace, as well as the health of your baby. Your Heavenly Father loves you and he will watch over you and give you strength no matter what the outcome is.
I hope I have not offended you in any way with my Faith.
Prayer is a powerful tool when you need real help.

God bless you and your wonderful children,

J.

I feel for you on every level. Good luck and I wish you the best. I know how scary the thought of loosing a child can be I have had 2 miscarriages. Always hope for the best prepare for the worst and be content with anything in between.Be sure someone goes with you to the appointment, good or bad you will be glad to have that support with you for the bad and extatic if the results are good you will need someone to celebrate with you.Don't forget that although you carry the baby part of that life is due to your husband don't forget he feels just as scared as you. Not only does he worry about the baby but he worries for you as well. Give each other a hug and try not to stress overmuch. May the tests have great results for you and the baby. Blessed be B.

I am praying for you and your baby. I know its hard not to worry, but its best for you and your baby to relax. I have a cousin with a special needs child and I had once asked her if she knew about Spencer's issue would she still had him and she stated yes. Because even though they have had a lot of trials, her son is one of the most beautiful things in her life. Yes she would have loved to have a healthy baby, but she has Spencer and she has not only learned a lot from him but a lot from herself. I know its a scary time, and I will hope and pray for the best for you both. Take care.

We went through a similar issue during my pregnancy. We were informed of some issues that came up during a routine ultrasound, and unfortunately there weren't any tests they could do until our son was born to figure out what exactly was wrong...
The best advice we got came from one of the wonderful nurses at the Perinatologists' office--that stressing out about something you can't change wasn't helping me or the baby. So, I focused on what I could do to have the healthiest pregnancy possible despite the problems we were facing. Following a healthy diet and getting some exercise (if your Doctor permits of course!) did wonders for my spirit, and helped me feel like I was doing my part to have the healthiest pregnancy I could, and hopefull that would lead to a baby, if not a healthy baby.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to you and your baby boy.

I wanted to tell you that I had a scary ultrasound too. They found that my baby has a pleural effusion (fluid between the lungs and chest cavity). It was very scary day, they told us that the only way to figure out what was causing the problem is to have an amnio. All the tests from the amnio came back normal, so they are hoping it will get better. We have another ultrasound appointment in a few days to see how things are going. I have been so nervous and scared, but reading these responses have made me feel better. Thanks everyone!

J. - I am by no means a medical professional, but i agree with the last response. the truth is, worrying makes things worse...and if there was indeed something wrong - you would never know with 100% certainty until baby was born, so what would you do with that information anyway? i took toxic herbs when my pd.was late, and i worried about it for so long. finally i gave up worrying because the child i'm meant to birth is inside of me. im only 6 months along and i havent had an ultrasound. i trust that our bodies know what to do. of course eat well, exercise and find as much peace as you can. but other than that trust that the best thing you can do for you and your baby is find peace.

Honey, God is great! Miracles happen every single day. I would be worried too. I think you should focus on the fact that the operative word here is "may" be retarded. Don't think worst case girl.

I'm not psychic, but intuitively, I think your baby is fine. Some docs are over zealous, and i think the perceived condition will correct itself. When can you go back again? How far along are you? Are you over 35? Any handicap in your family? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

If you do have a disabled baby, are you prepared to handle it? Love is a real miracle... and I know you can handle whatever God sends your way. keep me posted. you are in my prayers.