scary ultrasound results. :(

[Beauchamp]

We had a scan done at 19w4d and they found debris in the fluid. The tech hinted at a level 2 ultrasound, but wouldn't say what the abnormality (her word) specifically was. Yesterday they called to set up the level 2 u/s appointment. Turns out in addition to the debris in the fluid there is ALSO a "thickening heart valve" abnormality.  :(  

The second scan is not until Feb 8th. The said it's a scan and then a consult with a "genetic doctor." I am so scared and worried and I can't find anything when I google this stuff.

Thoughts? Worrying over this is consuming me. 

[scottishmommy]

I'm sorry this is happening. The only advice I can offer is for you to call your doctor and ask him or her what is going on. They should tell you what they are looking for in the scan. That way at least you'll have some idea of what to expect. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

[Beauchamp]

Thanks. :) I love these boards for all of the support. My DH just says don't worry about it and put it out of my mind. That's SO hard to do.  :(

[jcregan]

It is natural to worry - and hard not too.  I guess better would be to relax and take of yourself and babe as much as possible.  I would also insist on talking to your doc to get as much information as possible (but then be careful about the internet - easy to find worse case stuff and freak yourself out even more!). 

Remember that even if an abnormality is found the care that can be given a newborn is amazing.  It might not be the birth/start to life for your babe that you imagined but focus on the fact that your baby should be just fine (maybe with a few more interventions then normal) no matter what they find!

[Springshowers]

My friend was pregnant with twins and at her scan they told her the girl baby had terrible problems and would probably die from the genetic problem they thought they saw. She was so worried she was sick with it the last few months of the pregnancy, but didn't want to do invasive genetic tests. Turned out it was an error and both babies are happy healthy 3 year olds now.

On the ultrasounds they see possibilities, but are often wrong... they are not a science. More like an art that requires interpretation.

Until you have something real I would try really hard not to think about it. I know.. easier said than done.

[AtYourCervices]

Since you currently have not been told what this could possibly mean, I'll let you know what I think could possibly be going on right now. You can choose to ignore this, as I am not a professional. If you would rather wait to know, IGNORE THIS. Do not read if you're afraid this may scare you:

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

A high level of debris in the amniotic fluid is associated with high levels of MSAFP (maternal serum alpha fetoprotein). High levels of MSAFP can indicate fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Approximately 5-8% of congenital hearth defects are related to chromosomal abnormalities. That is what it appears they're looking into right now. There are a lot of chromosomal abnormalities that can be related to congenital heart defects. What they are looking at is called aortic valve stenosis (thickening of the heart valves). However, there have been no definite genetic defects identified related to aortic valve stenosis. 

[tracymom1]

I second what scottishmommy said - call your doctor and have a conversation.  Talk to him/her about what they are looking for.  In situations like this, knowledge can go a long way to understanding the situation and your feelings.  

I am sorry, mama, I will be thinking about you and hoping that all is well.  I just can't believe they are making you wait so long for the  level 2 ultrasound.  After having worked in Ob (and personally having an 'emergency' situation where I had the level 2 the next day), I would think that if it was something that they were very worried about they would get you in sooner.  Hang in there!

[littlecityfarmer]

Many hugs to you, OP. I just had a wild ride with non-reassuring U/S results, too, and the unknowns and wait between tests were so difficult to deal with... If I were you, I'd call my doc ASAP and find out the technical names and diagnostic criteria of all the stuff they're worried about, and then look at PubMed or contact your local medical library to find out as much info as you need to make informed decision and set your mind at ease.

Wishing all the best for you!

[Buddhamom]

Wishing you all the best!

[Charlize]

Thinking of you and your baby. I hope everything goes well.

[Beauchamp]

Thanks, all. I'm trying to maintain a very strong feeling that everything is fine. It's normal for me to worry though, and go through all the what-ifs. I've been seeing a CNM at a hospital in Nashville, but we had one appointment at the Farm and were planning to transfer our care down there. So now I am just waiting to see if my Farm birth will happen or not. If anything looks like the baby may need extra care, I would definitely want to be in the good hospital in Nashville, even though that means giving up the Farm experience. 

[JFTB1177]

HUGS mama, I hope everything is a-okay with babe and this was just a false alarm!

[noahs.mom06]

I hope they are wrong and everything is fine! I know how you feel, DD's birth defect was diagnosed at 28 weeks, and I didn't see a specialist or have another u/s to find out how bad it really was until I was 32 weeks. Those 4 weeks were hell. I know it's hard and it's cliche to say, but really try not to worry too much, because the stress is really bad for baby. I really do hope that everything turns out great for you and you have the birth you want! If you want to talk more, feel free to message me. I've been through something similar and had to deal with giving up the birth I wanted and going a completely opposite direction...

[gingergrltea]

I am so sorry you are going through this.I know its hard to not stress.Please turn on some music and relax for your baby.I will be praying/thanking good vibes for a healthy baby,and mom.