On February 11th we had our first ultrasound (20 weeks). We couldn't wait to find out what the sex of the baby was. Matthew was requesting a sister and Ryan was guessing it was twins, a boy and a girl. J and I just hoped it was healthy :) It was so nice to see our baby for the first time. She was very active, making it hard for the technician to get pictures. I noticed that the her neck looked kinked, but wasn't given any indication anything was wrong. We were all overjoyed to find out that we were having a little girl :)
About a week and a half later I received a call from my midwife. The ultrasound had shown some things wrong. I was referred to another ultrasound technician for clarification.
February 25th (22 weeks) a 2nd ultrasound confirmed a septated cystic hygroma (fluid filled cysts on her neck, under the skin), bi-lateral pleural effusions (fluid in her chest around her lungs) and possible heart anomolies. I was devastated and scared. It appeared that our daughter might not make it. We were referred to a specialist.
March 3rd (almost 23 weeks) we met with a Genetic Specialist and had a more in depth ultrasound. The good news was that her heart appeared to be built ok, but it was recommended that we do ultrasounds every 2 weeks to see how it continues to function and to make sure that she doesn't develop fetal hydrops (fluid in other parts of her body) which could be fatal to her and dangerous to me. Sometimes when a fetus develops hydrops the mother develops "mirror syndrome" which is when the mother starts to retain fluid and runs the risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
I continued researching, trying to remain positive, reading stories of babies who have/had similar symptoms and made it, and unfortunately babies who didn't. It's been a bit of a roller coaster. I'm very grateful for the support of friends and family. I tried to enjoy every movement, knowing that she was still with us. Just when the 2 weeks seemed to be dragging it was time for another ultrasound.
March 17th (almost 25 weeks) I was disappointed to see that the hygroma was still there and was sure that it was measuring bigger, but the Dr said that she was "holding steady" or something like that and I was happy that she hadn't developed fluid anywhere else, her amniotic fluid was good and that after all of the contractions I'd been having my cervix was still good. They were still keeping an eye on her heart and recommended that I meet with a Pediatric Cardiologist, pick an OB and a hospital to deliver at.
I'm disappointed to not have the home birth that I had been dreaming of, but will do anything she needs. So, in the meantime I continue my research and am grateful for every movement from her, prayers from others and kisses from her little brother :)
March 23rd: Pediatric Cardiologist
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