I'm new to mumsnet but have looked at lots of posts and advice since I found out that I am pregnant. Had some really bad news and so have decided to write to see if anyone has any experience in relation to the outcome of my scan.
I'm 46 and pregnant for the first time. My husband and I (married last year after finally finding a man I truly wanted to commit to and have babies with) were thrilled when we found out that I had conceived naturally in June. I had the first scan at only 8 weeks and found that we had fraternal twins. Initially we were a bit shocked but then thrilled that we were expecting 2. I was high risk in every way but the preganancy seemed to be going really well and felt fine.
Yesterday we went for a 12 week scan and found that one twin had vanished and the other was in a really bad way. We weren't given a NT measurement and I forgot to ask what the number was but the baby has fluid all around the top and back of the head, right down the back and on the belly. "Not good at all" I was told and I could see that for myself. I guess they thought the actual measurement wasn't particularly relevant to us as we were told that it was unlikely to survive another week. We were advised that some couples would choose to terminate at this point and medical termination was described an offered as an option.
However, as you might imagine, we're not ready to give up just yet. We're going back for another scan next week and will get the results of a blood test for infections which are a possible cause. If the baby does survive, then we'll have either a CSV as it can be done quickly or wait for an amniocentesis at 15 weeks. Of course, the chances of Down's or another genetic disorder is pretty high given my age. A heart defect is also possible, as is a host of other things.
I have searched and searched and although I have seen posts describing happy endings in which genetic tests are negative and the fluid problem resolves itself, this tends to be where fluid has built up later in the pregancy and none involve a vanished twin. Many stories end sadly of course.
We're trying to stay positive for our surviving, though very sick, twin but I'd appreciate hearing about any similar experiences, no matter how they ended.