[stretchmark]

I had my ultrasound today with a doc I really didn't like very much. It was my first one this pregnancy.

He didn't see a nasal bone but didn't find the other indicator of down syndrome. I went ahead and did the early screening which I have never done before but this really freaked me out.

I am 26 and have 2 normal kids with no D/S in the family. All the stuff i am realding about it suggests that the lack of nasal bone indicated D/S because it shows delayed development. It also suggested that people get a follow-up u/s vaginally to really have a good look.

Anyone offer good advice?

 

[timneh_mom]

I don't have any advice for you, I sure wish I did though.

Pregnancy is stressful enough without having to worry about this! I believe there is a neck fold, and that is another marker they look for with ultrasound. But otherwise I haven't had any experience personally with this.

Is the blood test the only other follow up the doctor suggested? I'm just wondering if he ordered another ultrasound or if he's going to wait to see what the bloodwork shows?

I'm sorry you're going through this...

I hope it all turns out OK.

 

[Jude Rose]

I have a d/s false-positive horror story, although it might not be in good taste to repeat it here. Let's just say it's a good thing the parents (although pro-choice) refused to abort.
I guess I say wait it out for awhile and go with your gut feelings -the ones behind the fear.

 

[phillychiquita]

I wish I had something to add, but I don't except to give you a

and send positive, peaceful, inspiring thoughts your way so that you can get through this stressful and fearful time.
My only other word of advice is don't assume anything until you know something *for sure* and if nothing else works, trust that whatever challenges life gives you, you are a strong mama, and you will be able to handle it.

 

[mother culture]

Sorry for your stress. Downs is so hard to detect with US alone. My friend gave birth to her first and he had downs but there was no indication of it in the 10 US she had ( for no real reason) It was a real shocker. But he is healthy and just a doll to be around ! I hope the tests come out fine and normal.

 

[timneh_mom]

You know, I read something really cool, I thought, in one of Dr. Sears books, about Downs Syndrome. One of their babies was born with it, and they didn't know until after he was born. He compared it to looking forward to taking a trip to Italy, and when you get off the plane, you find yourself in Holland! A place you didn't want to go, didn't prepare for, and have no idea what to do there... but eventually you find Holland is delightful too. I wonder if he's got that online somewhere.

Anyway, let's hope your tests turn out OK, take care!

 

[bri276]

Because of your age, it's quite unlikely that your baby has DS. However, I just wanted to tell you that just in case it does turn out positive- everything will be ok. More than ok. My daughter has a chromosome disorder and she's the light of my life, wouldn't change her for the world! It is impossible not to worry but try and remind yourself whatever happens, your baby is a blessing and you will get through it!

 

[anabellee]

 

[mom2mimi]

mama I wish I had some good advice but I think the other mamas have it pretty well covered. We are always here if you need us!

 

[raeinparis]

isn't it early for the nasal bone to show up on ultrasound? we had a scare with ds and the triple test and looked for the nasal bone in the 20 week scan. our dr said that there is no way to tell by a scan alone.

 

[mamaglee]

Just wanted to offer a

.

Please keep us posted.

I also want to say that one of my favorite little girls *ever* has downs...really a very delightful person!

 

[ekblad9]

My u/s with my last baby showed "signs" of downs. Whatever. They totally freaked me out and then everything was fine. It was a very stressful time. I really didn't care if baby was downs but I wanted to be prepared. I got the triple screen and everything was totally normal. My m/w and family doc. said it's almost impossible to tell with u/s alone. Hang in there.

 

[MCKMN]

I just wanted too also offer you loads of Hugs, Please keep up updated on everything.

 

[mooliette]

Warm thoughts and positive wishing coming your way. Everything is going to be alright!!

 

[stretchmark]

Thanks everyone.
The neck (which is the other method of determining d/s) was normal.

I think what freaks me out the most is that my life seems so crazy with two kids (it's partly because I've lived in a remodel for four years) and I am really scared about having a baby that needs assistance possibly for life.

I feel very strangely depressed. I am glad that the pregnancy is very healthy otherwise. If the testing company calls me within 7-10 days, then I know they found something in my bloodwork.

I did the first trimester screening. I will do that other screening too and if there is cause for alarm, I would considder an amino.

Thanks again. I really hate to not know.

 

[mammamoon]

Those crazy doctors !!
They just love to instill fear.
I really wouldn't take that indication too seriously yet, it is still early. There are so many reasons why he may not have detected the nasal bone. Just rest easy and have faith! You have all the odds on your side. That silly doc should know better.

 

[hopeful1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bri276 Because of your age, it's quite unlikely that your baby has DS. However, I just wanted to tell you that just in case it does turn out positive- everything will be ok. More than ok. My daughter has a chromosome disorder and she's the light of my life, wouldn't change her for the world! It is impossible not to worry but try and remind yourself whatever happens, your baby is a blessing and you will get through it!

Hi momma.... not from your ddc but had to post to your thread. Actually your age has nothing to do with the liklihood of your baby having Down Syndrome. That's a very common misconception. I know an 18 yr. old who has a little girl with DS and a 16 yr old who had a DS child. I myself was 30 and had a daughter w/ DS.... and even 30 is considered young to be concerned w/ that. I too had no family history of DS nor did DH in his family. 99% of the time, it's not genetic, it's just a fluke that happens with the chromosomes. In most cases there is no family history of it. The reason it seems to be less common in younger women is because they are more likely to miscarry the pregnancy before a problem is even detected. The majority of miscarriages are due to chromosome additions or deletions. For some reason in older women, their body doesn't miscarry the pregnancy. Or it could just be that as an older mom the doctors do what they can to sustain the pregnancy so it isn't able to self abort.

I hope everything turns out fine for you and your babe.

And by the way, I had the first trimester screening this time and my peri didn't check for a nasal bone because he said it's too inaccurate. Depending on nationality and heredity, the child could normally not have much of a nasal bone, i.e. Asian ancestry generally won't show a nasal bone because of the flat bridges they tend to have.

 

[stretchmark]

hopeful1, I would love to hear of your story. Did you baby die? I saw your sig and was wondering. PM me if you can and thanks for the info.

 

[hopeful1]

I just visited your blog and your children are absolutely gorgeous!!!! Good job

They look like they are so close.... and well rounded. Do you know if you're having a boy or girl yet?

 

[Gray's Mommy]

Normally they check the nucheal fold in the neck for spacing during an u/s...
I would do some more research & then decide if you want to do more u/s testing or not.

Wishing you much peace!