Well, we just got back from the Stanford perinatologist's office. Met with a genetic counselor who didn't give me much information. The only new info she had was the actual values from my Triple Screen test. My HCG level was borderline high (2 vs 1) and my estradiol level was just slightly low (.8 vs 1). AFP level was totally normal.
I had the level 2 u/s after we finished our discussions. The u/s tech was very nice and she called the baby a "model" baby for all her measuring and such. I couldn't believe how cute the baby was. We saw it trying to suck it's thumb and opening and closing it's mouth. It also was putting it's hand on it's face and head. They did a million measurements and I was very nervous. In the end everything came back as normal.
At this point I didn't want the amnio but they can only see something 50% of the time on an u/s for Downs. The logical side of me said to just walk away from the test but the worry-wart side of me knew I'd be wondering and wondering how to prepare for a special needs baby. I also have the stress that we are moving across country and I'd like to have a home birth. Home birth isn't out of the question with a Downs baby but they often have problems like the hole between the heart not closing after birth or platelet issues- basically they require a very thorough check after birth. DH and I talked and talked and decided to have the test. It was very fast and not too painful- just felt weird when they pushed the needle in. I now wait 2-2 1/2 weeks for results knowing whatever happens is in God's hands.
I had the level 2 u/s after we finished our discussions. The u/s tech was very nice and she called the baby a "model" baby for all her measuring and such. I couldn't believe how cute the baby was. We saw it trying to suck it's thumb and opening and closing it's mouth. It also was putting it's hand on it's face and head. They did a million measurements and I was very nervous. In the end everything came back as normal.
At this point I didn't want the amnio but they can only see something 50% of the time on an u/s for Downs. The logical side of me said to just walk away from the test but the worry-wart side of me knew I'd be wondering and wondering how to prepare for a special needs baby. I also have the stress that we are moving across country and I'd like to have a home birth. Home birth isn't out of the question with a Downs baby but they often have problems like the hole between the heart not closing after birth or platelet issues- basically they require a very thorough check after birth. DH and I talked and talked and decided to have the test. It was very fast and not too painful- just felt weird when they pushed the needle in. I now wait 2-2 1/2 weeks for results knowing whatever happens is in God's hands.
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I hope everything turns out perfect for you. Keep us posted mama.
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