stressful ob appointment

[austinandashlynsmommy]

Today was my monthly check-up, and I went in expecting my usual doppler to check heart beat, pee in a cup and go over symptoms and concerns, etc... I did the quad screen test at 14 weeks, and after a week or 2 passed, I assumed no news was good news and had no worries. My ob told me today that my risk of down's syndrome came back at an elevated risk of 1 in 72 (I'm 33 and normal for my age is 1 in 350). I realize that yes, there is a 1 in 72 chance that baby girl has down's, but a 71 in 72 chance that she is perfect and healthy, but I still can't help but panic. They are scheduling me for a level 2 u/s at a larger hospital and supposed to call me tomorrow morning. I had my 20 week anatomy scan last week and due to the baby's position and placenta position, they couldn't get the head measurements they needed but everything else looked good. *sigh* Part of me is calm and collected and has a gut feeling that it's just another bump in the road of a healthy pregnancy, but I'm still scared. I'm praying the ultrasound is this week so I know asap.

As if that wasn't enough to shake me, I was already having a terrible day, and I've been really stressed about delivery. I'll be having my 4th C-section, which in all honesty, isn't a big deal to me. I've had pretty easy recoveries and a lot of help with my other kids. What scares me is that my youngest was scheduled for a C at 39 weeks, but I had a check-up at 37.5 weeks and told them that I hadn't felt a lot of recent movement. A quick u/s revealed that I had little to no amniotic fluid so I went straight to the hospital and delivered that night. Dh has a different job and is out of down frequently now. I'm terrified that he will be out of town and she will come early as well. My ob told me today that it's one of those things that statistically, I could have the same thing happen this pregnancy and I will be monitored towards the end for fluid levels just in case. I would be so upset if dh missed the birth.

[saongiri]

:Hugs: no real advice though. I tend to hate those screening test though. I had + for y oldest for a rare genetic problem. he was totally fie. My friend's test came back ok ad her baby did have down's. She is a happy healthy baby now though ad a joy to the family. Things turn out in unexpected ways. Best wishes to you

[ajjulian]

Hugs and prayers!

[QHoneyB]

Stressful day! Lots of for you!! I hope you get your ultrasound soon so the uncertainty can be put to rest. Hopefully since they'll be monitoring your fluid regularly near the end it won't be a rushed emergency CS like last time!

[fluffybunsdiapers]

Hugs, drink lots and lots of water, you can replenish your fluid levels by drinking a ton of water, so hopefully if you increase it a bit now it will keep everyone good and hydrated:-) Fx your us goes well :-)

[zandj]

ditto on the water!!

I am sure your LO is just fine but I hope you get your u/s soon to put your mind at ease!!

[austinandashlynsmommy]

Thank you everyone! My gut instinct is telling me not to worry, so I'm trying to take that as a sign that she's just fine but then there is my crazed paranoid side. Thankfully, my ultrasound will be Monday afternoon so at least I won't be left waiting long. I refused the amnio since termination is not an option anyway and I don't feel it's worth the risk.

[marvelous]

I'm there with you. I was just told that my screening came back postive for down's, but the nurse talking to me was very sure to let me know that part of the calculation is based on age. I'm 36 (will be 37 in just a few weeks) so I'm trying not to think about it either. I have to wait 2-3 weeks for my level 2 ultra sound, so I'm glad yours is coming up quickly. Praying for both of us for happy, healthy babies!

[erlyjo]

I cannot tell you how many moms I know that have had this happen and the baby is fine, me included. With my ODS, they told me the risk of Down's was 1 in 10! (I was 23 at the time) Turns out they drew blood too early so the test results were wrong. After that, I vowed I would never do that test again, because I would love the baby either way, and they do not do anything different if the baby does have Down's, so for me it is a waste of money for needless worry. I'll keep you in my prayers for sure, but chances are good everything is fine. And know you are not alone!

[austinandashlynsmommy]

Ugh, I'm sorry they are making you wait so long! I went through this same scenario with my oldest DS, except I was only 26 then. They made me wait almost 3 weeks and it was torture. Now he's a healthy and happy 6 year old. I'm praying this little one is the same.