Abnormal u/s

[nerdymom]

We had a u/s last Monday, I was about 18w5d. We found out we were having a boy, and that is pretty much the only thing the tech told us. Saturday evening I received a call from my MW telling me to call on Monday and schedule another u/s in 2-3 weeks. She said that there were 3 reasons. They could not get a clear view of the spine, one of his kidneys looks "prominent", and there is a spot on his brain that could be a cyst or something else. After telling me all this she said not to worry, that they just want to double check everything, no need to worry. So obviously, I'm worried.

We didn't have a u/s with DS and I don't know if this is "normal" or not. Has anyone else had this happen?

[midwestmeg]

I haven't been there but hopefully someone can comment. Big hugs mama, I hate worrying. Maybe post out in the big 'pregnancy' forum also for more comments?!!

[nerdymom]

good idea. I hadn't thought of that. I'm pretty DDC-centric right now! lol

[CookAMH]

Ugh that is frustrating since often those things are really "nothings" and there was no need to worry in the first place. Sorry this is happening. Doesn't sound urgent since you only need to go back in 2-3 weeks as opposed to "let's get in asap Monday to see what is going on with that baby". There are blessings to technology and there are curses!  I have heard of SO many flags raised for kidneys that were absolutely non-issues at birth. Sigh.

[AtYourCervices]

Here's some information on the choroid plexus cyst:

http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/pregnancy/choroidplexuscyst.html

[Lauren82]

The u/s tech couldn't see all of youngest dd's heart around 18 weeks and had me so scared. I had to wait 4 weeks for a repeat u/s. The 2nd u/s tech explained to me that before 20 weeks, some parts of the baby are still so small or if the baby is not in a optimal position, it can be hard to tell what's going on. She said that she wished doctors/midwives would wait until at least 20 weeks to schedule anatomy u/s. It turns out that dd's heart was just fine, we just had that first u/s too early. These types of scares are one of the downsides of u/s although they can be a very helpful tool as well. I know you must be worried, but chances are that everything is fine.

[CookAMH]

I would caution you, for your own well-being, to hold off as much as you possibly can on reading about conditions that MIGHT be the case with your baby. Wait until you get a diagnosis, if there even is one.

[nerdymom]

Thank you all. The info on the cysts was very comforting. Thanks a TON. I do feel better.

[CookAMH]

Thinking of you, when is your next u/s?

[nerdymom]

Thanks for asking. I actually just got back from my follow up u/s and the cyst is gone and his kidneys look normal! Yay! But, they measured his nuchal fold again and found it to be larger than normal, but it was fine on my previous scan. From what I understand the test is not as accurate after 22 weeks, correct? Now the Ob on call recommends I go to Bethesda Naval Hosp for genetic counseling. I'm waiting for a call to discuss this further with my MW, who I probably won't hear from until Monday or Tuesday. DH and I already talked and I doubt we will go for any more testing. If our baby has Down's, we will deal with it at the time.

[jr'smom]

*Hug*  How frustrating!  Glad to hear the other issues are fine.  It's too bad they gave you something else to worry about.  You're correct about the test being less accurate now.  Knowing that it tested fine before, I hope you have peace and don't worry.

I've put off my anatomy scan until January 13th. (Because my maternity insurance kicks in January 8th.)  I'll be 24 weeks at that time.  I hope they allow for the fact that things vary a lot more after 20 weeks.  No matter what, we wouldn't do any further tests either.  That's why the doctor didn't have a big issue with e putting it off.

[mclisa]

I think that is the point of the counseling.  They can explain what the tests mean, your statistics of the tests actually meaning anything, and what follow up things can be done.  Then you get to decide if you would want that or not.

I have a friend who is a perinatologist who you could imagine thinks about everyone needs an amnio.  Her feeling is that it sucks to be at the bedside of new parents and break the news then that something is wrong.  I argue with her that sure the shock of it sucks at that time, but the shock of it was going to suck at anytime.  And as a peri, she only sees the worst of the worst.

Talk with your midwife and see what she recommends and ask why she recommends going in that direction.

[windymama]

I can relate.  I'm glad to see that you and your DH are discussing what you will and won't do before hand.  We had to meet with a genetics counselor with our last pregnancy based on an abnormal u/s.  DH and I didn't discuss our feeling about tests and procedures we would and wouldn't want and I regret how unprepared we were for the meeting.  We were thrown all sorts of worst-case scenarios.  It put a strain on our relationship for a little while.  And the hardest part is that while DD did have a difficult first year, it wasn't as doom and gloom as they lead us to believe.

If I've learned anything from that experience that I can offer you it's not to do anything rash.  Think about things and don't make a decision the day of.

Best of luck!

[nerdymom]

Thanks for all the advice and support! DH and I are not worried. We have a lot of peace about this situation and are prepared to go forward without worry. I have a feeling my MW is going to affirm my instincts, and if she does that we will probably decline counseling. No matter what we discover, it won't change our commitment to our son or our love for him, so we are just going to enjoy this pregnancy.

[midwestmeg]

Originally Posted by nerdymom 

Thanks for all the advice and support! DH and I are not worried. We have a lot of peace about this situation and are prepared to go forward without worry. I have a feeling my MW is going to affirm my instincts, and if she does that we will probably decline counseling. No matter what we discover, it won't change our commitment to our son or our love for him, so we are just going to enjoy this pregnancy.

I wish I could use the smilies easier... HUGS!! :) This is what I'd do also.

I know so many people who like/need to be prepared.... but I'll prepare myself when the time comes. The longer I live the more I believe it all happens for a reason, the way it was supposed to, and I am content with that. I am actually also part ostrich; I am not afraid to stick my head in the sand a little to keep my serenity.

You got some really lovely advice and support from other posters. (insert love smilie)

[nerdymom]

Originally Posted by midwestmeg 

Originally Posted by nerdymom 

Thanks for all the advice and support! DH and I are not worried. We have a lot of peace about this situation and are prepared to go forward without worry. I have a feeling my MW is going to affirm my instincts, and if she does that we will probably decline counseling. No matter what we discover, it won't change our commitment to our son or our love for him, so we are just going to enjoy this pregnancy.

I wish I could use the smilies easier... HUGS!! :) This is what I'd do also.

I know so many people who like/need to be prepared.... but I'll prepare myself when the time comes. The longer I live the more I believe it all happens for a reason, the way it was supposed to, and I am content with that. I am actually also part ostrich; I am not afraid to stick my head in the sand a little to keep my serenity.

You got some really lovely advice and support from other posters. (insert love smilie)

Thanks! My husband did some research on the nuchal fold testing and is very comfortable with declining any further testing. It is really nice to have him on my side. :)

[mamapigeon]

I too had an abnormal ultrasound and am waiting for more news. I hope everything turns out well for your little one!

[nerdymom]

I am sorry you also received abnormal results. After my own experience I am not sure whether the tests are a blessing or a burden. I hope you are not worrying too much!

[mamapigeon]

We had an ultrasound done with a "high risk" specialist today and found out that our abnormal results were due to measurements being off. Have you decided to skip another ultrasound?

[CookAMH]

nerdymom, I'm glad you and DH are at peace and trusting!  It sounds like you've looked at it wisely, and I do hope you enjoy these last several weeks. :) And I'm thankful that kidneys are normal.