Soft markers?

[ErinH]

Had my 20 week scan last Wednesday and they found a number of soft markers:

choroid plexus cyst
ASD/VSD (holes in the heart)
enlarged gallbladder
IUGR
excess fluid around the baby

Any ideas what these markers could indicate? I'm finding the wait for the follow up scan and amnio a real struggle and desperate for some help. :(

thanks x

Hi Erin, I don't know what these markers mean, I just wanted to say I am sorry you are having such a worrying time, and try to stay positive until you know for sure what is going on, fairly impossible though I know.

When we had 20wk scan we had some soft markers, completely different to yours though. We had very short bone measurements and a single umbilical artery, and they were worried about chromosomal abnormalities, Downs or Other congenital defects, or IUGR. Was a really worrying time, I had to go back for lots of scans, was offered amnio but we decided not to go for this. They said wouldn't know if all was ok till baby was born. In the end, he was all fine, just a bit short (and still is), but it meant the second half of pregnancy was really stressful. So I don't know what your markers mean, but I really hope all works out for you, and please try and stay calm until you know more, for yours and baby's sake. And try to resist the temptation to Google, as you will just find lots of stuff that will worry you much more. They will offer you all the tests they need to find out what is going on, and until they find out anything for definite, then soft markers are indicative not a definite diagnosis of a problem. When is your scan/amnio? Hoping for all the best for you.

Thanks. It's such a long hard wait. I know it doesn't look too good (particularly the heart problems). I go from thinking about hearing it's "incompatible with life" to hearing "I don't see anything wrong with him, the sonographer must have been seeing things". (although I know the latter is highly unlikely.
My follow-up scan and amnio is this afternoon at a fetal medicine unit. fetal cardiologist will look at the heart and I'll have an amnio afterwards to confirm findings.
The wait has been agonising. The wait between tests and results is likely to be worse. I'm pacing myself.
Thanks for your response as I'm feeling pretty useless and alone at the moment and I really appreciated reading your message.

ErinH, I'll be thinking of you this afternoon.

These are very tough times for you , and speaking as someone who's been there, I can say that the waiting is the toughest thing of all.

You will get answers and whatever the outcome, you will find strength to cope.

Wishing you the very, very best of luck for this afternoon and the coming days.

There is also great support to be found here on Mumsnet.

x

Just read my post, and realise it sounds very negative and gloomy . Sorry, didn't mean for it to be, just know the stress of that horrible limbo waiting for results.

There is, of course, always hope that things will be fine, and you're on on your way to finding answers to the all the questions tormenting you right now.

Good luck with everything.

Not at all oliviacrumble. I know that it doesn't look good but the waiting is the worst bit.

I had an amnio done yesterday following another detailed scan and the doctor was very realistic. She gave us a 50% chance of it being Edward's. We're waiting now until Friday for the results. It's just hellish. :(
I'm pacing myself for another hard week but know that things could be much worse (can't be anything like losing a child, right?). However this turns out, I'm determined that it won't consume me or take my focus away from my boys. They give me all the strength I need.
Thanks for your support.

Hi Erin, sorry I only just came back online. Sorry that the scan didn't give you better news, I can only imagine how horrible the next few days of waiting will be for you. I will be thinking of you on Friday. And as Olivia said, whatever the outcome, you will find people here on mumsnet who have had similar experiences if you want some support. Wishing you all the best x

I had 2 soft markers with indicated my baby could potentially have Edwards Syndrome.

I recommend you ring the ante natal tests helpline. I can google its proper name if you want.

Edwards Syndrome is not the end of the world and doesn't mean your baby won't survive.

I am so sorry you did not get better news at your scan :(

The charity ARC (antenatal choices) is great to talk to if you need it.

Hi Erin
I hope you are ok and are coping with the wait. I and others have found box sets help.

I think the previous poster is referring to ARC. They are very helpful and can offer counselling and support if you are in a position. I found it helpful to talk to someone i didn't know but who understood the place I was in. It helped focus my mind.

www.arc-uk.org/

Take care
xxx