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Topic: Newbie--lots of questions!

02-23-2006 11:39 AM

texieharperdagny   New Member Location: texas Registered: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 Last visit: 03-20-2006

Hey there, I am 36 and have three beautiful daughters, ages 5, 3, and 1. Last year my husband had a vasectomy, but apparently it didn't take because five months later I got pregnant! I never opt for any prenatal testing and now wish I didn't opt for ultrasounds either!! At my 20 wk ultrasound everything was measuring one week ahead EXCEPT the tech couldn't get a good look at the heart b/c of baby's position AND I got the dreaded nuchal fold measurement of 6. My OB was seemingly very unconcerned (I don't know if he was just trying not to make a crazy pregnant lady any crazier!) about the latter issue, but referred me to a level II doc for a better look at the heart. Yesterday I went to him for the ultrasound (almost 22 wks) and told him about the nuchal fold. He immediately told me that was the number one indicator for downs and my odds were now 1 in 6. Great bedside manner, huh?! He then did the ultrasound and found no other markers (he said he checked for 11 things), but, of course, I know that means nothing. He also said that perhaps the tech was wrong and that even a 5.8 measurement at 20 wks would have been within normal limits. True? Incidentally I found out that this baby is going to be a boy!!! I usually don't find out until birth, but I really wanted something 100% good to result from these stupid-assed (Sorry!) screenings, so I asked him the sex. ANYWAY, finally for the question portion!! I assume I can be pretty sure, based on that neck measurement that this baby has downs, correct? Have any of your other children had these kind of measurements and not downs? I REALLY appreciate any help and/or advice. I absolutely refuse to get any other kind of screening done. Obviously this baby wanted to get here in spite of a vasectomy and we will love him just like any other member of "the pack"!! Thank y'all, Shannon

02-23-2006 11:51 AM
azvalerie   Senior Member Location: Phoenix, AZ Registered: Mar 2004 Posts: 675 Last visit: 03-24-2006	Shannon, I can't respond directly to your questions as I have no experience with that (my Jaymes had a "normal" ultrasound at 20 weeks). I just wanted to say Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! That's terrific!! __________________ Valerie Proud mommy to Jaymes Xavier 6/4/03 & Baby #2 - EDD 5/15/06

02-23-2006 12:02 PM
erikasmom   Member Location: North Carolina Registered: Nov 2005 Posts: 41 Last visit: 03-24-2006	My little girl erika had a normal fold on ultrasound and has down syndrome they suspected ds do to shorter than average arms and legs. So-- not all babies w/ds have same markers some have none. Congrads on your baby and if he has ds than your in for a even bigger blessing. take care. __________________ My two girls Cassey Danielle 4/30/01 Erika Gabrielle 2/18/04 DS

02-23-2006 12:07 PM

naomid   Super Member Location: California Registered: Apr 2003 Posts: 2809 Last visit: 03-24-2006

You have a 1 in 6 chance according to the doctor, so an 83% chance that the baby does not have DS. I will tell you that we had 3 ultrasound with Callum adn the triple screen test and everything was "normal" we had no markers what so ever, but he was born with that little something extra It's great that you're here, congratulations on your little boy. If I was you I'd do some research on DS just to prepare yourself if he does in fact have DS but mostly just try and enjoy your little suprise __________________ Naomi Mum to Callum (DS) 3/03 and Kieran 8/04 Read all about us

02-23-2006 12:10 PM

lespring   Super Member Location: Twin Cities metro area, MN Registered: Mar 2005 Posts: 3743 Last visit: 03-22-2006

Hi! Congrats on your unexpected pregnancy. SURPRISE! LOL I'm sorry you're having to go through this scary time, it really sucks. I had 16 level II US's with my daughter, as I had problems with preterm labor and a partial placental abruption. Never were there any markers of DS picked up. The only thing we knew was she was very small (IUGR) which was chalked up to the poorly functioning placenta. So you're at 22 weeks now? Oh man....the waiting is enough to drive someone crazy. Well, you've come to the right place to ask questions. I'm really glad you found us. In my opinion there isn't an better place on the net for support and information. We'll hang out and wait with you. We wait with lots of parents. You keep asking what you need to ask, and when that little guy arrives, if he does indeed have DS, well you've gotten yourself a head start. HUGS! __________________ ~Leah~ mom to Noah 18, Tyler 17,Angela 9 (DS) downcues.com

02-23-2006 12:11 PM
always_chaos   Senior Member Location: Detroit Metro, MI Registered: Dec 2005 Posts: 479 Last visit: 03-24-2006	My little girl had a two completely normal ultrasound scans without any markers at four and six months. Congratulations on the new baby. I'm with naomid.. do some research just in case.. __________________ Visit Our Blog: Always Chaos At Our House

02-23-2006 12:21 PM

klem   Super Member Location: Gadsden, AL Registered: Aug 2004 Posts: 1759 Last visit: 03-24-2006

I bet all of our responses sound soooo nonchalant right now to a very concerned pregnant mommy, so I just wanted to tell you why. We realized after we had our babies that DS is really not that big of a deal. We realized it's just a characteristic of our children, much like their hair color. So we congratulate you because we know how much you are going to love your child. I don't think there's any way to know for sure, but trust your gut. I had the triple screen to check for things like spina bifida, as they can repair that in utero, but it came back indicating DS. We went for level II ultrasound where they did not pick up even the tiniest marker for DS. Told me they were 99.9% sure he DID NOT have it. I was relieved on the outside, but on the inside something kept telling me that he had Down Syndrome. I thought about it EVERY day. Perhaps God's way of preparing me due to the outcome of the tests. Soooooooo, that's all I've got, lol. Trust what your "mommy vision" is telling you. It's probably right. __________________ Kelley, Robby's wife mom of Daulton, the Mayor (10-07-98) and Drake, my treasure on loan from God (4-19-04) DS

02-23-2006 12:25 PM

mary c   Senior Member Location: Westchester County, New York Registered: Jan 2005 Posts: 688 Last visit: 03-24-2006

I had an ultrasound at every prenatal screening as I was high risk due to age (I was an elderly 43 year old), the nuchal fold test, the quad screen and a level II by the "best in the profession". Not one of them picked up on the DS. My experience is that none of the screening tests are worth much weight. Feel free to learn more about DS, but I suspect that your little guy is not going to have it. If he does, well, welcome to the family. DS is not the horrible thing that it is made out to be by society. If you browse through the site, you will see many gorgeous children that are adored by their parents, family and friends. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and we are happy to answer questions. __________________ Mary Mom to Libby 6/92, Alex 9/93, Anna (DS)12/12/03

02-23-2006 12:43 PM

Alejandra   Member Location: Houston Registered: Jan 2006 Posts: 63 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Max was born on Jan 5, 2006. Not until a week later when the t21 test come back we find out that he has DS. However, my high risk doctor who did ultrasounds on me everyweek since 22 weeks. He was very insistant for me to have the amnio. I refused. One of the reasons he thougth Max had DS is because of the small grow, short mesurments. I had him at 31 weeks. He has no heart problems THANK THE LORD. I don't regreat for a minute not having the amnio test. I'm so proud and happy to have Max in my life, he is an angel God sent to our family to bless us and thank us to whatever good we had done in life. I know is difficult for you right now and I don't know how you feel since I didn't find out about Max ds after birth, but have tons of complications in my pregnancy. Right now you only need to worry about having a healthy, peace full and enjoyable pregnancy...the rest is on Gods hands. Alex __________________

02-23-2006 12:43 PM

texieharperdagny   New Member Location: texas Registered: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 Last visit: 03-20-2006

Y'ALL ARE THE BEST!!!!!! Thanks for TRULY being able to understand my situation. Family members and friends are either in total denial that anything could possible be wrong with this baby, or they're already starting to pity me for my horrible situation! UGH!!! Not much help either way. I am so glad I found y'all and I will certainly let you know how this pregnancy progresses. BTW, I'm due June 30, so prepare yourselves for my craziness!!!! Shannon

02-23-2006 02:13 PM

LinMac   Senior Member Location: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Oct 2005 Posts: 581 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Sharron Can't add any more than those members above me. This is a great site, and you'll find wonderful support while you wait the arrival of your little surprise baby. To answer your question....I have quite a few scans, requested they check specifically for DS but nothing showed. Got a confirmation 10 days after his birth. Congratulations, and a big welcome to the forum. __________________ Linda & John mom to Hannah Kate (Age 7), Robert (04/16/2004, DS)

02-23-2006 02:26 PM

SammysMom   New Member Location: Federal Way, WA Registered: Feb 2006 Posts: 24 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Hi Shannon, Congratulations on your pregnancy. I had normal ultrasounds up until a couple of weeks before Sam was born, and then it was determined that his long bones were not growing as they should. We did do a triple screen that showed a 1-8 chance that Sammy had DS, but since nothing else pointed that way and our nurse practitioner said that they got a lot of false positives, we put it out of our minds. We didn't opt for amnio because it wouldn't have changed anything for us. My best advice is to learn all you can, continue to visit this site, and know that no matter what, you will have a beautiful baby, DS or no DS! Best wishes __________________ Sandy Mom to Sam (08/01/2004) DS

02-23-2006 02:51 PM
Barbara   Super Member Location: Charleston, SC Registered: Jun 2002 Posts: 1220 Last visit: 03-24-2006	Congrats on your new baby on the way! Everything will be ok! I am Mom to Henry, who is 3 1/2 year old mischevious little boy. Henry had 3 soft markers at week 20 of my pregnancy. One of the markers was the nuchal fold of 6.2. I thought I read somewhere that it was supposed to be about 2ish at week 20. No matter. Your baby will be a blessing to your family!

02-23-2006 03:49 PM

helandy.cop   Super Member Location: Nottingham, UK Registered: Sep 2003 Posts: 3816 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Hi Shannon Just wanted to say that my son had a nuchal measurement of under 2, as did both my other kids. They saw no markers for him either (although he had a big hole in his heart!). The other mums have given you great advice already so I'd say just find out as much as you can. And take it easy - if that's possible with 3 kids already! __________________ Helen Mum to Rachael Kinza (25/07/01), Matthew Isaac DS (14/06/03) and Hannah Cerys (14/06/05) - my gorgeous children!

02-23-2006 04:17 PM

Hannah's mom   Senior Member Location: Adironadack Mountains, Upstate NY Registered: Jul 2001 Posts: 927 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Shannon, welcome and congratulations on your new little boy! Hannah was our first child- I had the triple screen and five ultrasounds and no DS markers were picked up.We found out after she was born.The one thing I wanted to add is that you may want to consider delivering at a decent size hospital. We delivered at our local hospital and we almost lost Hannah due to her heart defect and the fact that no one was prepared.A lot of times babies with DS tend to need a little extra help at birth.I have to say, DS or not I can tell you are a wonderful mom and I know this baby will be loved either way. __________________ Heather- Mom to Hannah(7)DS and Logan (3) www.xanga.com/Momof2monkeys

02-23-2006 06:10 PM

southernbelle   Super Moderator Location: Gray, GA USA Registered: Nov 2004 Posts: 4263 Last visit: 03-24-2006

I just wanted to say that ultrasounds are a crummy way to tell if your baby has Ds. A vasectomy ???? Go drink a smoothie and celebrate this special young man. Whatever the final results show...this baby boy was meant to be. I wouldn't let it bother me in the slightest. Enjoy your pregnancy. We'll be here if you need us. Enjoy the site and be sure to look at all our great looking kids in the photo section. Congratulations! AMY __________________ "You are an unrepeatable Miracle. No one exactly like you was ever born or ever will be." Momma to Austin(DS) 05/18/04 Kristin, Jessica, Rebecca, Rachel, Sarah,Hunter www.caringbridge.org/ga/austinluke www.xanga.com/fireflysouth I LOVE my friends at downsyn.com! Here's a kiss.

02-23-2006 06:13 PM

** Hannah's mom ** UK   Super Moderator Location: West Midlands UK Registered: Jun 2004 Posts: 3851 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Hi Shannon I just wanted to welcome you to the site, I think all the other moms here have given you some sound advice This baby is obviously meant to be here and will be Gods miracle baby whatever enjoy the rest of the pregnancy and keep us updated __________________ Jo mummy to Hannah (DS ) who was 3 in July 05 and Rebecca who was 2 in Jan 06 My beautiful girls Baby 3 due April 10th 2006 Visit Hannah's webpage and read all about her journey

02-23-2006 07:13 PM

bonniepd   Senior Member Location: Minneapolis area Registered: Jan 2006 Posts: 136 Last visit: 03-24-2006

What I am going to say may not help you much but here goes . . .I did a level two ultrasound and I had no indicators for downs so we chose not to do an amino. Needless to say we were shocked to find out Anthony had downs at birth. All thought I will tell you two stories. The first one is of my neighbor who was 36 at the time and they had 4 markers for downs. I don�t know which markers. They chose to have an amino and there was not indication of downs. Now another friend of a friend (I know the little girl) had a level two ultrasound and they had markers for downs. They were fully prepared for a downs child and when she gave birth. When the baby was born she did not have downs. Good luck and keep us all posted. This is a good site to come to as there are many people that can help __________________ Alexander (8/7/99), Andrew (9/26/02), Anthony (12/29/05 DS)

02-23-2006 07:30 PM

DanielsMommy   Super Member Location: Rhode Island Registered: Sep 2005 Posts: 1403 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Hello, Welcome and Congrats!! We had a surprise too after my mother had her tubes tied.....10 months later..out comes my sister!! LOL...so our family knows all about surprise babies. That was 30 years ago!! My Daniel also had a surprise waiting for us. He had Ds. No markers on my level 2 U/S....born full term...with a heart defect. The level 2 u/s didn't pick up the heart defect either. I have a feeling your baby is just fine....but just to be sure, I would deliver at hospital equipped to handle children who may be born with issues. I was VERY lucky, I delivered at a small hospital (I didn't know prior to birth) but fortunately, my Daniel was ok and didn't need any extra care. Even with the heart defect, he was ok to come home with us right away. Please look around at the site....our kids are amazing..and if you do join our exclusive club, you will be welcomed with open arms!! __________________ Lisa Mommy to Elayna 10-1-02 and Daniel Ds 6-7-05 Always have hope....Without rain, there can be no rainbows.

02-23-2006 07:57 PM
My Boys   Super Member Location: South Plainfield, NJ Registered: Mar 2003 Posts: 1829 Last visit: 03-24-2006	Just wanted to say congrats & we are here to listen. __________________ Michele B. Patrick (5-16-00) Kyle (DS) (1-13-03) Cameron (11-5-2005)

02-24-2006 04:17 AM

RachelG   Senior Member Location: YorkshireUK / Indonesia Registered: Mar 2005 Posts: 223 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Hi Shannon! Welcome and congratulations! I had no tests and so Benedict's DS was a shock. He's now an adorable and cheeky 3 year old, the light of my life! enjoy your pregnancy and whatever happens, you'll have a beautiful baby in a few months. I agree with the others who mentioned giving birth at a decent-size hospital, just to be on the safe side. this site is simply the best so we all look forward to following your progress! __________________ Rachel Proud mummy of Benedict (05.02) DS

02-24-2006 07:25 AM

thatfield   Senior Member Location: Arkansas Registered: Jan 2005 Posts: 366 Last visit: 03-21-2006

Hi Shannon Can't help with the markers because we adopted our little bundle of joy. But I can you , she is just that. She is the light of our life. Congratulations on your pregnancy. this site will really help you with a lot of your questions. Between all the mommies and daddies here with so many different situations and health issues , someone can tell you what you need to know. __________________ teresa, mom to chelsey 6-9-84 collin 2-17-95, Caty 2-14-98, clay 8-3-99, chloe ds 1-21-03, caycie 9-28-04

02-25-2006 10:42 AM
hannah   Senior Member Location: Tennessee Registered: Jun 2005 Posts: 189 Last visit: 03-23-2006	A friend of mine had a nuchal fold show up on U/S and referred to specialist. They did the CVS and her baby did not have DS. __________________ Beth Hannah(ds)1.19.05

02-25-2006 01:23 PM

Jenna   Senior Member Location: Texas Registered: Feb 2006 Posts: 587 Last visit: 03-24-2006

������������������,��,�������,��,���� Hello, Welcome and Congratulation!!!��,��,����`��������,��,�������������������� * * * * * * Congratulations on the pregnancy of your baby BOY! * * * * * * I got chills reading your post. This little guy! Your only boy, wanted to be here with you, WOW what a gift. I know it's a surprise and now you've got worries on top of being surprised. I just wanted to say welcome and try to enjoy this wonderful pregnancy. IT'S A BOY! Boys are such wonderful kids to have. Regardless if he's got that extra chromosome or not, he's going to bring you and your family so much joy. I look forward to hearing more from you. By the way, I'm from Texas too. Where are you from? PM if you'd life. __________________ ~Jenna Proud mamma to these beauts!!! DOB: Nate 7-26-03 ~&~ Lana 4-21-05 **** **** � "Just when you think you have learned what you need to know in life, someone truly special comes into it and shows just how much more there is."

02-25-2006 04:47 PM
momof3boys   Senior Member Location: Valley Springs, CA Registered: Aug 2005 Posts: 918 Last visit: 03-23-2006	I think everyone has said it so well. So, I just wanted to add my welcome. You will love this site. My Brother lives in Texas, near San Antonio....I really like it there. If it wasn't so humid I would like to live there. __________________ Dee Dee Wife to Jason and Mom of 3 Boys Austin 12/28/93 Logan 08/12/00 Colton 7/12/05 DS

02-25-2006 11:28 PM

texieharperdagny   New Member Location: texas Registered: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 Last visit: 03-20-2006

Hi again and thanks for so many wonderful replies. I have cried almost every time I've read them! I am officially insane. One day I have myself completely convinced that this baby has DS, the next I don't. I really don't think I can take four months of this. I am so disappointed in myself, but I'm considering calling my regular OB and scheduling an amnio. But then what happens if I go into labor/miscarry as a result? I will then be totally responsible for harming my child because I just had to know! I don't even recognize myself these days. I am just crazy. I am a former special ed teacher, so having a child with special needs is not as daunting to me as perhaps it may be to other people, but I worked with kids with emotionally disturbances and learning disabilities, so I am not as well read about DS as I need to be. I just want to be as prepared as possible, but then again I don't want to be the "doom and gloom" lady who's buying tons of books about DS when I have no idea if my son has it! UGH!! Thanks for letting me ramble. I don't want to burden my husband and family with my concerns (which they believe are unfounded), so y'all get to be my sounding board, unfortunately. By the way, I am from Bandera, which is about an hour NW of San Antonio, for those of you who have asked. Thanks so much again for your wonderful replies! Shannon

02-26-2006 10:15 AM

Jenna   Senior Member Location: Texas Registered: Feb 2006 Posts: 587 Last visit: 03-24-2006

Hi Shannon - Your feelings and emotions are ok and normal. Don't beat yourself up. I'm glad you can come here. I didn't have anyone that could relate to my emotions and it's been such a blessing coming here. I live in San Antonio. If you'd like to come visit me and talk please PM me. I have a few books you can borrow or we can just have a cup of tea. Keep true with your emotions, it's part of the process! __________________ ~Jenna Proud mamma to these beauts!!! DOB: Nate 7-26-03 ~&~ Lana 4-21-05 **** **** � "Just when you think you have learned what you need to know in life, someone truly special comes into it and shows just how much more there is."

02-27-2006 09:59 PM

Adriansmom   Member Location: Lapeer MI Registered: Dec 2005 Posts: 55 Last visit: 03-17-2006

Hi I don't have much more to add. My son had no markers at any of the ultrasounds. I skipped the AFP and the hospital and my midwife and entire family though I was silly for beliving a nurse when she said he looked a little like he had it. We had the test just to be on the safe said and he ended up having DS. His eyes mostly are the only marker. He as a few other "soft" markers like a wide toe gap. Most of the family even after the test don't belive it. My best friend on the other hand doesn't seem to know how to deal with it and has not called me once since I called her to tell him he had DS. That was 6 weeks ago. She has a 9 month old that she is trying to support on her own and going to college so I am hoping she is just busy. Anyway I was totally freaked and found this site while I was still in limbo weather he had it or not. Everyone here is great. Honestly I went from looking at my baby like something freakish that was going to die or wreck my life or something to looking at him no diffrent than my other two. It is just in my head like a characteristic of Adrain. Like my Bella is in love with food and Billy love the computer and has a speech impediment. I am only 25 and I have plenty of fun years ahead with all my kids. Keep in touch here. Theses people are who got me through it and rather quickly at that! The picture page is my favorie spot unless I am picking brains! __________________

02-27-2006 10:27 PM

keri   Member Location: MN Registered: Jan 2006 Posts: 69 Last visit: 03-23-2006

I'm probably not the one to answer any of your questions regarding markers (that would be up to DW) but we weren't certain that Kait had DS until she was born. It didn't matter to us one way or another. The difficult thing, or so I thought, was how are we going to break it to our families? How are they going to react? Are they going to accept her as any other child / grandchild? The resounding answer was yes! Congratulations on the new little guy, things will work out great. Kaitlyn's Daddy __________________ Keri Mom to: Sydney 9-25-01 Jack 2-10-03 Kaitlyn DS 7-30-05 Brave Heart 2-24-06

03-08-2006 04:01 PM

Kokie   Senior Member Location: California Registered: Jul 2005 Posts: 129 Last visit: 03-22-2006

quote: Originally posted by texieharperdagny Y'ALL ARE THE BEST!!!!!! Thanks for TRULY being able to understand my situation. Family members and friends are either in total denial that anything could possible be wrong with this baby, or they're already starting to pity me for my horrible situation! UGH!!! Not much help either way. I am so glad I found y'all and I will certainly let you know how this pregnancy progresses. BTW, I'm due June 30, so prepare yourselves for my craziness!!!! Shannon Welcome and congrats on your pregnancy!! I don't have any help to your questions, since I have a 1 y/o brother with DS. But, I just wanted to say that you do not have a horrible situation! Don't let anybody tell you that!! My brother is the absolute JOY of our family and is the best little baby. He is such a HUGE blessing. We are so thankful to God for him . . . he has been nothing but a blessing and has led us to learning lots of new things. Qadoshyah hoppinherdofhares@direcway.com P.S. You can see our site at http://www.geocities.com/dsinfo05/home.html __________________ sister to 10 siblings including boy(DS)/girl twins - February 2005

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